CONTENT OF NOTES
There are two (2) elements to remember in regard to the content of notes.
- Detail
- Accuracy
DETAIL:
Notes should be as detailed as possible. Some investigators are too selective in determining what to make notes about. They work on the basis that if they do not think it is important at the time then they do not make a note about it. Many things that seem insignificant may later be of vital importance. It is from the contemporaneous record that the investigator will produce a formal statement if the matter is to proceed to a formal prosecution. Often Inspectors will be required to decipher their notes months after having recorded them. It therefore follows that such notes should be a full and accurate account of the circumstance as they unfold.
Some investigators only make notes of matters that they think will be of assistance to their case.
This resource is kindly provided by Wayne Carney of SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP AUSTRALIA.