Investigative Techniques
Investigative Techniques
Investigative techniques are the practical methods used to gather and develop information. Candidates must understand the major techniques, when each is appropriate, and the legal and ethical boundaries that constrain them.
Core techniques include interviews and interrogations (and the distinction between them), witness canvassing, surveillance (physical and electronic), background and records research, open-source and database inquiries, forensic analysis, and undercover or covert methods where authorized. Understand the progression from least intrusive to most intrusive, and that technique selection should follow the investigative objective, not convenience. Know the documentation each technique requires and the supervisory authorization typically needed for intrusive methods.
Traps in questions include confusing interview with interrogation-interviews are information-gathering and non-accusatory; interrogations are accusatory and tightly regulated. Another trap is assuming a technique is permissible simply because it is effective; authorization and proportionality govern. Questions also test whether you recognize that surveillance and covert methods generally require higher approval and legal review. Watch for scenarios where an investigator uses a more intrusive technique when a less intrusive one would answer the question.
Rule of thumb: escalate technique intrusiveness only when the objective cannot be met by a less intrusive method, and document the justification.
Worked example: A manager suspects timecard fraud. Rather than placing the employee under surveillance, the investigator first reviews badge, system, and payroll records-records review is less intrusive and may resolve the question. Surveillance would require justification and authorization if records are inconclusive.