Report Writing & Documentation Flashcards

What does it mean to 'sanitize' a report for evidentiary use?

Answer: To remove information that could reveal confidential sources or methods while preserving factual content

Sanitizing removes or protects information that would expose confidential informants, sources, or investigative methods while maintaining the factual integrity of the report.

When an agent receives information from a confidential informant, the report should:

Answer: Attribute the information to 'a confidential source' without identifying details

Informant information is attributed to 'a confidential source' or similar language to protect the informant's identity while documenting the information received.

In a financial crimes report, a 'net worth analysis' is used to:

Answer: Demonstrate that a subject's expenditures and asset increases exceed known legitimate income

Net worth analysis compares a subject's increase in assets and expenditures against documented legitimate income to establish unexplained wealth indicating criminal proceeds.

Which principle requires that an investigative report include all relevant evidence, including evidence that may be favorable to the subject?

Answer: Brady v. Maryland disclosure obligations

Brady v. Maryland requires prosecutors to disclose material exculpatory evidence; agents must document and report all relevant evidence, including that which favors the subject.

An agent's report states: 'The subject transferred $50,000 to an offshore account on March 15, per Bank ABC records, Exhibit 12.' This statement is an example of:

Answer: A well-documented factual statement with a specific evidentiary citation

This statement is properly documented — it identifies the specific action, date, source document, and exhibit reference, making it a clear, verifiable factual assertion.

When writing a financial crimes affidavit in support of a search warrant, which standard of proof must the agent's documented facts meet?

Answer: Probable cause

Search warrants require probable cause — the affidavit must document facts sufficient to lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence of a crime will be found at the location to be searched.