When it comes to investigations, respect and professionalism are of utmost importance. It can be very difficult for people to seek out these services and the people that they are having investigated may be close to them. In any investigation, the main goal is to get facts. The situations that require investigations are often complicated and someone or many people’s futures may depend on the outcome. This means that it is important to get it right.
It is good to have an idea of what kinds of methods can be used to obtain this information, so here are some of the investigative techniques and procedures commonly used.
1. Obtain a Confirmatory Memorandum
This is a document that the investigator should obtain from the person or people seeking their services. Basically, it is a document that outlines what these people know about the situation, why they are seeking these services and what kinds of techniques they would like the investigator to use. It is a document that can serve as a sort of legal protection for all of those involved – as it sets down in writing what everybody knows and what their expectations are.
2. Plan the Investigation
Planning an investigation includes planning a time frame, getting in touch with a private investigation company and dividing the duties. These investigative techniques also include planning for interviews that will need to be conducted.
It is also important that the way in which these facts are obtained be able to stand up to outside scrutiny. Especially if they may eventually be used for legal proceedings. This means that investigations need to be well-planned. The exact procedure will always depend on the situation at hand and is something that needs to be discussed in detail with the client.
3. Obtain Relevant Documents
Much of an investigator’s work is the collection of documents that may prove or disprove something. These documents may include: phone records, expense account records, time cards, calendars, e-mail records, personnel files and records, voicemail records, etc….
4. Use Research Techniques
Investigators will often have to conduct background checks. This involves both basic and more advanced research skills. This includes basic internet searches, which can provide useful information on likes and dislikes (it may seem basic, but everything can be useful!). Public libraries also offer useful databases.
Investigators may also contain databases concerning land registry, marriage and birth certificates, obituaries, civil claims, bankruptcy records, divorce records, etc… The exact methods will always vary according to the investigation and what type of information is sought.
5. Conducting Interviews
Collecting documents and conducting interviews are often the biggest parts of an investigation. Investigators will generally collect and review relevant documents before proceeding to this step. Once they have gathered all of the information that they can from these documents, they will be ready to interview the people involved.
Having prepared means that the investigators will know when people are lying or telling the truth. These investigative techniques will allow them to determine who they might need to interview and what questions they need to find the answers to. Quite often, multiple interviews will be required. This is because, as the investigation progresses, new information emerges.
Conducting interviews includes preparing and presenting “canned” opening and closing statements or instructions. These are parts of the interview that do not change, regardless of the interviewee’s answers. They let the interviewee know what their rights are and what they should do if someone tries to retaliate against them, etc…
6. Surveillance
This is the method that detective novels and TV shows have perhaps made us the most familiar with. However, not all cases will require it. Further, before beginning this process, the investigator will have to have a conversation with their client. This is because these methods are those that are most likely to have legal repercussions. It will be very important to get any permissions necessary and to establish which methods will be used and how far to take these.
Covert surveillance consists of observing a person without their being aware of it. It can be used to obtain a wide range of information. This includes something as simple as location. It can also be used to obtain information: about a person’s activities, their health, or to help in an interview. It can also be used to locate stolen property or identify evidence for use in a court case.
7. Collecting Statements
Statements are generally taken from witnesses. These could be a part of a more formal interview or not. They include a range of information. Generally, the investigator will collect information such as the witness’ name, their employment, their address, the date and time of interview, a verbatim transcript of what the witness said, as well as an introductory paragraph on the day’s events.
8. Note-Taking
The investigator will take notes throughout the entire process. These investigative techniques can help the investigator in their investigative process and to protect the organization if it is challenged legally in the future. Because of this, notes will be kept in a clear and organised manner. These notes will act as a documentation of the investigative process.
