An Investigation is an examination of a matter in order to discover the truth. It is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from criminal investigations to human resources-related matters. The origin of the word “investigate” is interesting – it’s thought to come from either the Latin vestigium, meaning footprint or track, or in-, meaning into, which echoes the detective’s work of following clues to find their suspect and the hunter’s job of tracking down game.
Great investigative journalism is often the result of curiosity combined with an unwavering desire to find the truth. It’s about asking the right questions and putting those questions into the most thorough, unbiased context possible. It is about bringing a fresh perspective to a well-worn subject and discovering something new, surprising, or even shocking.
A great investigator knows that a final report is an opportunity to showcase their thorough and unbiased investigation. They know that a great report saves everyone time and effort by presenting all the facts in a simple, clear and accurate summary. It reduces the need for follow-up work and can help to prevent further incidents from occurring.
Ultimately, a well-written investigation report will ensure that the findings are understood and able to withstand scrutiny. This is especially true for reports that will be shared with internal or external stakeholders. For instance, if a report contains a typo or other small errors, the investigator risks losing credibility and may be perceived as not taking the investigation seriously. This could undermine the integrity of the entire process and lead to additional problems down the road.
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