Which of the following describes secondhand information?

Which of the following describes secondhand information?

• A. Data obtained through personal experience
• B. Information gathered from another party
• C. Reports written by the officer on site
• D. The officer’s own observations

Answer: (B)

Secondhand information is characterized by being gathered from another party rather than being derived from direct, personal experience. This type of information refers to what someone else has reported or documented, making it secondary to the primary source. It cannot be verified by the individual relaying the information since they didn't witness the event or situation themselves. In contrast, collecting data through personal experience involves firsthand knowledge, while reports written on site by an officer constitute recorded observations made by that officer, thus representing firsthand accounts and insights. Similarly, the officer’s own observations reflect direct engagement with the situation at hand. Therefore, the essence of secondhand information lies in its reliance on the reports or accounts of others rather than personal experience or direct observation.

Secondhand information is characterized by being gathered from another party rather than being derived from direct, personal experience. This type of information refers to what someone else has reported or documented, making it secondary to the primary source. It cannot be verified by the individual relaying the information since they didn't witness the event or situation themselves.

In contrast, collecting data through personal experience involves firsthand knowledge, while reports written on site by an officer constitute recorded observations made by that officer, thus representing firsthand accounts and insights. Similarly, the officer’s own observations reflect direct engagement with the situation at hand. Therefore, the essence of secondhand information lies in its reliance on the reports or accounts of others rather than personal experience or direct observation.