Investigation is an essential tool that’s used by organizations, authorities, and individuals to uncover facts and assess situations. The process can help make decisions, solve disputes, identify wrongdoing, and hold people accountable. For example, a company may conduct an internal investigation to determine if workplace harassment happened by reviewing relevant communications and assessing the company’s policies. This could lead to corrective action or even regulatory penalties if policies were violated.
When conducting an investigation, one of the biggest mistakes a person can make is letting their bias or personal opinion seep into the report. Investigators are required to be objective, impartial reporters of the facts, and if they use loaded language or appear biased in any way, the entire report loses credibility. This is why it’s so important to document all of your work and interview witnesses based on a defined investigative process, like the ones found in certification programs from McAfee Institute.
The heart of a great investigation is the Findings of Fact section, which provides an evidence-backed story of what happened, piece by piece. This should be completely free of analysis, speculation, or guesswork and must be verified by the evidence you’ve gathered. It’s also a good idea to organize your findings in a logical fashion, such as chronologically.
Lastly, be sure to double-check your report for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A few minor errors can ruin the overall impression of a well-researched and thorough report. Unless you’re a skilled writer, consider enlisting the help of a professional or reading a book on writing to hone your skills.