Report Writing

Despite its tendency to be laborious, report writing is a core and mandatory function for private investigators throughout the investigative process. Report writing—that is, the compilation, drafting, and authorship of various reports and documents relating to an investigative case—serves as the formal record of investigative steps and findings. Reports are crucial to historical accuracy and assure an objective appraisal of events and conditions surrounding the case as it unfolds. Reports also promote professional best practices for the security industry by forcing the compiler to weigh progress or lack thereof or to think alternatively about the facts thus far experienced. The quality of report writing remains a top priority: as Tim Dees puts it, one of the “ills that complicate the lives of police recruits and the people who train them, report writing has long been at the top of the list.” ¹ Security investigators need not overcomplicate facts and conditions under review but always try to stay clear, focused, and factual in all things reported. Good report writing must adhere to the premise “the simpler, the better.” ² This chapter evaluates best methods in report compilation and makes suggestions as to how the author and the firm and client represented will benefit by taking this task very seriously.