CSI Investigative Reporting & Documentation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'opinion' section of a formal investigative report?
- Speculation about unverified leads the investigator wants to pursue
- The investigator's professional conclusions drawn from documented facts (Correct answer)
- Personal judgments about the character of persons of interest
- Recommendations for criminal charges based on hunches
Correct answer: The investigator's professional conclusions drawn from documented facts
The opinion section contains professional conclusions that are logically derived from and supported by the documented facts in the report.
Question 2: An investigator is asked to document electronic surveillance footage. The best practice is to:
- Describe only the portions relevant to the incident in the report
- Document the full footage metadata, storage location, and chain of custody (Correct answer)
- Summarize the footage verbally to the client without written record
- Delete irrelevant footage to reduce storage requirements
Correct answer: Document the full footage metadata, storage location, and chain of custody
Complete metadata documentation and chain of custody for electronic evidence ensures its authenticity and admissibility.
Question 3: Which practice is considered unethical when writing an investigative report?
- Using factual, neutral language throughout
- Omitting exculpatory evidence that contradicts the client's position (Correct answer)
- Noting inconsistencies found during the investigation
- Including a detailed timeline of events
Correct answer: Omitting exculpatory evidence that contradicts the client's position
Omitting exculpatory evidence is a serious ethical violation that can constitute fraud and undermine the integrity of the investigation.
Question 4: In a workers' compensation investigation report, surveillance logs should include:
- Only activities that prove the claimant is fraudulent
- Date, time, location, investigator ID, and objective description of observed activities (Correct answer)
- The investigator's subjective assessment of the claimant's character
- Medical opinions about the claimant's actual injury status
Correct answer: Date, time, location, investigator ID, and objective description of observed activities
Surveillance logs must objectively document all observed activities with precise identifying information to be credible and legally defensible.
Question 5: When a witness recants a previously documented statement, the investigator should:
- Remove the original statement from the file
- Document the recantation separately while preserving the original statement (Correct answer)
- Accept the recantation as truth and discard earlier documentation
- Pressure the witness to return to the original account
Correct answer: Document the recantation separately while preserving the original statement
Both the original statement and the recantation must be preserved, as inconsistencies are themselves evidentiary and must be documented.
Question 6: The term 'narrative' in an investigative report refers to:
- A fictional reconstruction of events for presentation purposes
- The chronological, factual account of the investigative activities and findings (Correct answer)
- A summary of the client's desired outcome from the investigation
- Legal arguments prepared for court presentation
Correct answer: The chronological, factual account of the investigative activities and findings
The narrative is the factual, chronological account of what the investigator did, observed, and found during the investigation.
Question 7: Which standard best governs how long investigative reports and case files should be retained?
- Indefinitely, as all investigative records have permanent value
- Until the client confirms satisfaction with the investigation outcome
- Applicable state laws, professional association guidelines, and contractual requirements (Correct answer)
- A minimum of six months after case closure
Correct answer: Applicable state laws, professional association guidelines, and contractual requirements
Retention periods are governed by state statutes, licensing board requirements, and any contractual obligations established with the client.
CSI Investigative Reporting & Documentation 3
Which of the following best describes the 'opinion' section of a formal investigative report?