INVESTIGATION STRATEGY
Start With the Question, Not the Service
Define the factual objective before choosing the investigative method.
Read Field Note →Recorded Statements & Interviews
Prepare around the fact gaps, not a script.
A practical interview-planning center for defining the objective, building the chronology, asking neutral questions, distinguishing direct knowledge from assumption, and turning answers into corroboration leads.
Interview Framework
Know what the interview needs to clarify.
A recorded statement is most useful when the interviewer understands the claim question, the known chronology, the unresolved facts, and the sources that may later corroborate the account.
1Define the objectiveState the factual question the interview is intended to help answer and the decision it may inform.
2Build the chronologyReview known dates, records, prior accounts, and material events before drafting the question map.
3Start openAllow the interviewee to explain the event or issue in their own words before narrowing into specific facts.
4Clarify source knowledgeDistinguish what the person saw, heard, was told, inferred, or estimated, and define vague terms when material.
5Close with leadsIdentify corrections, additional witnesses, documents, records, and unresolved questions for follow-up.
Quality Controls
Neutral questions produce more defensible information.
Language
Ask for facts
Avoid argumentative phrasing, loaded assumptions, and questions that signal the desired answer.
Structure
One material fact at a time
Break compound questions into smaller pieces so the answer can be understood and evaluated later.
Precision
Clarify vague terms
Terms such as always, never, heavy, frequent, severe, or unable should be tied to examples when they matter.
Corroboration
Turn answers into sources
Develop names, records, locations, communications, photos, and other lawful sources that may independently test the account.
Field Tool 03
Recorded Statement Preparation Guide
Use the worksheet to define the interview objective, isolate fact gaps, organize the chronology, prepare question architecture, and document the most important corroboration leads.
AOE / COE
Start With the Questions You Need Answered
Use disputed facts and corroboration needs to structure interview sequencing.
Read Field Note →REPORT QUALITY
Review the Result, Not Just the Activity
Confirm the report clearly distinguishes sources, findings, limitations, and unresolved questions.
Use review checklist →Field Principle
Inconsistency is a question to verify, not a conclusion.
A professional interview preserves the difference between known fact, direct knowledge, estimate, hearsay, and unresolved conflict. Follow applicable policy, representation status, jurisdictional rules, recording requirements, and assignment authority.
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