Writing Effective Investigative Case Reports that Include all Pertinent Findings and Recommendations

John E Grimes

John E. Grimes III, CFE, CFI�is Keynote Speaker at ComplianceKey.�has over 45 years of law enforcement, criminal investigation, loss prevention, fraud examination experience, and teaching experience. John began his law enforcement career with the Baltimore City Police Department where he became a Detective in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). John left Baltimore and became a Special Agent with the Amtrak Police Department Fraud and Organized Crime Unit and was later promoted to Captain of the CID. In 1993, John joined the Amtrak Office of Inspector General/Office of Investigations as ........

Overview

Representatives from government agencies and attorneys in Maryland attended a forum hosted by The Center for Forensic Excellence at Stevenson University. These representatives identified a critical problem of communication skills, both in writing and oral testimony, of individuals employed in the investigative/forensic field. Individuals who conduct investigation must be able to effectively communicate in writing the results of their investigation. At the conclusion, or at interim points of an investigation, it is advisable to prepare a Case Report that includes the Summary of the Investigation along with Findings and Recommendations. Most agencies and businesses that employ investigative units require Case Reports and have a standard format to use. No matter what format that is utilized, the writer must be able to communicate to the reader what pertinent investigative information was learned in a clear, accurate, thorough, concise, and unbiased manner.
The writer must keep in mind that the Case Report could be utilized for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, or civil action. The writer must be prepared to testify to the accuracy of the report to a tribunal if needed. The writer must also be aware that the Case Report will be an official document that could be dissected by opposing counsel if it used as the basis for adverse action against an individual or organization. Therefore, it is imperative that the author of a Case Report be able to synthesize a plethora of information learned during an investigation and capture it in a well written report.

Why should you attend this webinar?

If you are responsible for conducting or supervising investigations it is critical for you to be able to prepare a well-written, thorough, accurate, clear, and unbiased investigative report that captures all pertinent investigative information. It is imperative you are able to convey to a reader the pertinent facts of a case. In addition, you must be able to articulate in writing the results (Findings) of your investigation that must be supported by Case Report Summary. You should also be able identify and articulate Recommendations to rectify any negative actionable Findings.
You should attend this webinar if you want to be an effective, professional member of your organization. Your professionalism and investigative ability is judged by the quality of your communication skills. Developing good-professional writing skills assist with oral communication skills. You should attend this webinar if you feel that your writing skills could be improved or if you are a life-long learner. You should also attend this webinar if you are looking for a workable format and style of reporting that has been lauded by United States Attorney's Office across the country.

Areas Covered in the Session:

How to synthesize an abundance of investigative information into a concise, thorough, accurate, and unbiased report.
How to create an easy to read, professional looking document.
How to effectively organize your Case Report. (A Case Report is rarely written in the chronological order of the investigation)
How to use Exhibits to strengthen the report.
The proper use of footnotes. (When and when not to use them)
How to utilize transition words and phrases to better convey your message.

Who can Benefit: