“When are you done?”

This question often comes up both when I’m training and investigating. And yes, this question sometimes rattles around in my mind as I consider a case.

My latest technique to help answer this question involves starting with the final report. When concluding interviews and finalizing statements, I like to start building the Evidence Compilation. The Evidence Compilation helps me visualize the data collected to date. With this data, I can start seeing holes. The earlier, the better, because a hole seen is a hole repaired – at least it should be!

As you near the end of your interviews, you should have a nearly complete Evidence Compilation. At this point, go ahead and start the report. Make potential conclusions as you go. If something is obviously a breach, go ahead. If something is irrelevant or not in scope, label it. 

Now, when reading through a section, you may have questions that pop up in your mind. Or, you may sense that you’re going out on a limb or stretching to find the proper conclusive wording.

When this comes up, I’d suggest a couple of strategies:

1. Take a break, grab a coffee and come back to it later. Maybe it’s just brain fatigue.
2. If a break does not work, look for opportunities to double or triple-check what individuals have shared. Look for the essence paragraph – is the essence covered? Are there holes? Is someone’s name mentioned and you didn’t interview them? Is there a hole in what the complainant or respondent said?

In my experience, if I’m having trouble writing a conclusion, what’s usually required is a redirect question aimed at one of the parties. Redirect questions will help fill holes and lead you toward a firm conclusion.

Dylan