NCJ Number
238122
Date Published
2012
Length
171 pages
Annotation
Based on the belief that documentation is the key to conducting a successful investigation, especially in the private sector, this book discusses the process of documenting an investigation from start to finish.
Abstract
The first chapter states and discusses the implementation of the five principles of investigative documentation. First, the investigator should take notes on everything he/she does. Second, every effort to contact a witness and all surveillance should be recorded in a running resume. Third, prepare a report whenever there is a reasonable possibility that the investigator will be called to testify. Fourth, take verbatim statements from hostile or unhelpful witnesses; obtain declarations from friendly witnesses. Fifth, provide all of the case's documents to the client at the conclusion of the case, or have a document-retention policy that decrees the maintenance of most records for at least 5 years. The second chapter reviews the numerous misconceptions that pertain to investigative documentation. This chapter sets the stage for the remaining chapter, which addresses note-taking, running resumes, reports, statements, and documentation-retention. Each chapter consists of four or five sections that suggest methods used to complete a particular documentation. The book also contains an exhaustive appendix that many investigators will find useful, including one that lists hundreds of abbreviations that investigators may find helpful when taking notes; sample reports that readers can use and templates for generating their own reports; an alphabetical stylebook that is based on styles used by the media and Federal law enforcement agencies that provides a quick tool for referencing abbreviations, names, capitalization, and numerals; and several sample statements and declarations that show the completed documents. A subject index