Investigation Process Overview

This lesson describes the end-to-end investigation process from intake to findings, highlighting planning, evidence gathering, interviews, timelines, and formal documentation. It clarifies roles, fairness standards, and how the process progresses to resolution.
Investigation Process Overview
This lesson describes the end-to-end investigation process from intake to findings, highlighting planning, evidence gathering, interviews, timelines, and formal documentation. It clarifies roles, fairness standards, and how the process progresses to resolution.

Intake and Case Assignment

After a report is received, an intake reviewer conducts a preliminary assessment to determine scope and potential conflicts of interest. This step helps ensure the investigation proceeds only when appropriate and necessary.

Planning the inquiry involves identifying who to interview, what documents to review, and the sequence of steps. Investigators document the plan to keep the process organized and fair.

Evidence Collection and Interviews

Evidence collection includes interviewing the complainant, the respondent, and relevant witnesses, and reviewing emails, messages, calendar entries, and other records. The process emphasizes accuracy, privacy, and impartiality.

Timelines and updates are established and communicated. Investigations aim to progress within a reasonable timeframe, with updates provided as milestones are reached.

Analysis and Findings

Investigators analyze the gathered information to determine whether policy violations occurred. Findings are documented with clear rationale, supported by evidence, and identified appropriate actions.

Documentation of the investigation report includes dates, interviews, evidence, decisions, and recommended next steps. The final report is shared with authorized stakeholders in line with policy.

Course Content
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