Reporting & Case Management Flashcards

What distinguishes 'opinion testimony' from 'fact testimony' in the context of an investigator's report used in court?

Answer: Fact testimony is based on direct observation; opinion testimony includes inferences or conclusions

Fact testimony is based on what the witness directly observed, while opinion testimony includes inferences or conclusions drawn from observations, which may require expert qualification.

When preparing a report involving financial records, which principle should guide how data is presented?

Answer: Present data accurately and completely, referencing all source documents

Financial data must be presented accurately and completely, with full reference to source documents, to ensure the report withstands scrutiny in legal or administrative proceedings.

What is 'case deconfliction' in multi-agency investigative environments?

Answer: Coordinating with other agencies to avoid duplicate investigations of the same target

Case deconfliction is the process of checking with other agencies to identify and coordinate overlapping investigations, preventing interference and ensuring information sharing.

An investigator is required to testify about a report written six months ago. What is the best preparation strategy?

Answer: Review the report thoroughly before testimony and use it to refresh recollection on the stand

Investigators should thoroughly review their report before testifying and may use it on the stand to refresh recollection, but must not alter the original document.

What ethical obligation does a CPI have when case findings are unfavorable to the client who hired them?

Answer: Report all findings honestly regardless of how they reflect on the client

A CPI's ethical obligation is to report all findings honestly and completely, even when unfavorable to the client; objectivity and integrity are fundamental professional standards.

In case management, what is 'lead tracking' used for?

Answer: Systematically recording and following up on investigative leads to ensure none are missed

Lead tracking ensures all investigative leads are recorded, assigned, followed up, and documented as resolved or open, preventing potentially critical information from being overlooked.

Which of the following represents a best practice for securing digital investigative case files?

Answer: Using encryption, access controls, and regular backups for all digital case files

Digital case files must be protected with encryption, role-based access controls, and regular backups to prevent unauthorized access, data loss, and breaches of confidentiality.