Detail evidence planning, documentation standards, and retention controls to ensure defensible records.
Evidence Gathering & Documentation Standards
Detail evidence planning, documentation standards, and retention controls to ensure defensible records.

Evidence Planning

Develop an evidence plan that identifies sources, such as incident reports, emails, CCTV, logs, and witness statements. Plan the order and timeline for collection to avoid bias and ensure comparability.

Respect privacy and data minimization. Only collect information relevant to the allegations and maintain chain of custody for all materials.

Documentation Standards

Use consistent templates and clear language. Record dates, observers, actions taken, and outcomes. Avoid personal opinions; focus on facts and objective descriptions.

Retention and Access

Store documents securely with access controls. Define retention periods aligned with legal obligations and organizational policy. Maintain an audit trail for each document.