Adherence to the following guidelines will ensure that the report will accurately depict the investigation:
Reports are to be written objectively, using commonly accepted formats.
Reports include specific information, and descriptions. The registered owner of any vehicles will be noted, if requested and as allowed by state laws.
A complete physical description of the subject is reported, i.e., age, race, sex, height, weight, hair color and clothing.
Verbs are used to explain any physical activity of the individual under surveillance and/or investigation.
The report differentiates between what is observed and what activities have been videotaped. This is done by using the word "observed" in the text of an entry where the activity is observed and not videotaped. "Video was obtained" will appear where videotape was obtained along with the description of the subject's actions.
Vehicle registration plate numbers, makes, models of vehicles, places where the subject travels, where the subject parks, names of stores and businesses locations, which would include addresses, modes of transportation, etc., are found in each report as well as when the subject is out of view.
If a subject is lost, the report indicates the time, how (due to traffic, etc.), how long the area was searched, the time search ended, and what time the investigator returned to the individual's residence/business, if practical.
Whenever returning to the residence, the report notes what vehicles are present and if anything at the residence has changed.
Interviews are conducted using recording devices where the subject agrees to the statement and understands they are being recorded. Each party is identified in the recording.
Investigation reports will contain objective summaries of interviews conducted and evidence revealed.
As always, the client will determine in advance if the format of the final report should be altered to fit their needs.
