After finishing investigations, New York private investigator provides clients with an Investigative Report, which is the most important document. It lists all the scope of work done from background information, details, research, evidence, and the end result “Answers”. The report should be organized, concise, clear and accurate on findings. We have provided tips for writing a good Investigative Report which will eventually be read by attorney’s, clients, other readers and is considered important evidence to fight for a case.
In writing a good Investigative Report these are key elements to consider:
Conciseness: The report should be a complete story detailed in as few words but should clearly convey the message.
Accuracy: It should clearly record or reference all pertinent interview and observations. Information obtained should be verified by as many sources necessary to validate the information. The report should not contain personal opinions or views.
Style: The report should be written objectively in the first person or third person.
“I observed a Caucasian female” (1st Person)
“The investigator arrived” (Third person)
Use everyday language that your client would use in his or her conversation with you.
Format: All investigations reports should be typed with justified margins and the pages numbered, “Page 1 of 5”. Regardless of the subject the report should have the following divisions
* Summary of the Investigation (One could read the summary without reading entire report)
* Identification of the Subject (Descriptive details, location, color, size, features)
* Investigative Methods (Investigation details, where you went, what time you went, what you did, who you spoke with, how long it took etc.)
*Conclusion/Results (The end product, what you learned)
* Professional Close (Thanking client, PI’s who worked, contributors)
Note, in Investigative Reports they contain facts and not the investigators opinion unless they were specifically asked by the client. Opinions are usually reserved for witnesses, scientists and the client.
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