#5 Safeguarding Investigation Secrets: How to Weigh Evidence & Assess Credibility.

Just in case you missed it…. I recently, received some mindful musings, on safeguarding investigation, in the screenshot below, …. from a person I deeply admire, as they push #safeguarding conversations. For context, it was in response to a #7 Point Reflection on PSEA Safeguarding and Investigations– A CHRO Journey I recently shared. Thanks, Kimberley D. for the grace to allow me to share our public conversation......am grateful....

...... in full reflection... I can't emphasize enough though, the importance of weighing the evidence and making credibility assessments are in an investigation. I will spare you, the pinch-me moments, I had following this nudge - and my attempts to convey this message, without diluting it with brevity .....serving it brief and snackable!!!!

… Yahh…. so let's see how we can cut through the noise, connect from the heart, and skyrocket your #safeguarding engagement - fast.

Why Weighing Evidence and Assessing Credibility is Crucial - for Justice and Protection"

In safeguarding investigations, the stakes are high. It’s not just the safety, and well-being, of vulnerable individuals on the line, but the consequences of poorly conducted investigation can be devastating to all involved. It not only puts the spotlight of shame, on the organization (and individuals involved), but sends the wrong messages to all stakeholders and presents a direct existential threat no matter how large the organization.

The importance of a robust investigation process, weighing the evidence, and assessing credibility, cannot be overstated. These tasks are critical to ensure justice is served, and vulnerable individuals are protected. That said, how can investigators navigate the critical complexities of weighing evidence, and assessing credibility, in a way that is fair, accurate, and effective?

Are you still here? …..ok....take a peek at this …..

#1 Why it’s Important: Without careful weighing of the evidence, investigators risk missing key details, or worse still, drawing incorrect conclusions. An investigation MUST assess, and cautiously distill the quality, and quantity, of evidence and determine, whether it is consistent with other available information.

Similarly, failure to accurately assess credibility can result in false accusations, or in allowing abuse to continue undetected. Ultimately, the ability to weigh the evidence and assess credibility is essential in ensuring the vulnerable individuals are protected from harm, and abuse and that justice is served for victims and survivors.

#2?Weighing Evidence: here are some tips and strategies, investigators can deploy to ensure they thoroughly weigh safeguarding investigation evidence and make accurate conclusions. These include, ;

• Determine the evidence's source and reliability: Investigate the evidence's source, and consider whether it is reliable and trustworthy.
• Evaluate the quality of the evidence: and determine whether it is consistent with other available information.
• Consider the context: Examine the context in which the evidence was collected, and consider how it may have influenced the information gathered.
• Quantity of the evidence: Determine whether the quantity of evidence is sufficient to support a conclusion.
• Examine the chain of custody: Investigate the chain of custody of the evidence, and ensure, it was properly secured and preserved.
• Use a systematic approach: deploy a systematic approach while evaluating the evidence, such as the SIFT method (Source, Information, Function, and Tone). A systematic approach, like the SIFT method, enables investigators to evaluate evidence in a consistent, and comprehensive manner. Which can go a long way in minimizing bias, and improve the accuracy of conclusions.

#3?Assessing Credibility: investigators ought to effectively evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and evidence. In safeguarding investigations, investigators need to ensure any findings or conclusions are based on reliable and trustworthy evidence.? Investigations must be focused, and intentional as they evaluate the reliability, trustworthiness, and accuracy of witnesses and evidence in safeguarding investigations.

#4?Balancing the Evidence: this is a delicate task that requires careful consideration of conflicting information and discrepancies. Investigators must weigh all available evidence, reconcile inconsistencies, and determine the most credible, and reliable information to draw conclusions.

So….. you didn't leave yet.... ok .....let's unpeel what investigators MUST BE intentional in avoiding.....a deep dive on some inherent pitfalls, ...on this fascinating, and delicate, subject….

#5?Common Pitfalls: even the most experienced investigators can fall into some common pitfalls, which then undermine the credibility of evidence and lead to flawed conclusions. By remaining aware of these potential challenges, and taking proactive steps to address them, investigators can ensure that their findings are grounded - in reliable and trustworthy evidence.

Avoid this ........

• Pitfall: Confirmation bias - investigators may unconsciously seek out evidence that supports their initial assumptions or hypotheses, and overlook evidence that contradicts them.

Solution: investigators are encouraged to remain open-minded and objective, and to actively seek out evidence that challenges their assumptions- use an evidence-based approach focusing on facts rather than preconceptions.

• Pitfall: Lack of corroboration - investigator may rely too heavily on a single witness or piece of evidence, without seeking to corroborate it with other sources.

Solution: investigators are urged to seek out multiple sources of evidence to corroborate each other, and to weigh each piece of evidence in the context of the whole investigation.

• Pitfall: Inconsistent standards - investigators may apply different standards of evidence to other parts of the investigation, leading to inconsistencies and potential bias.

Solution: Ensure that investigators are using consistent standards of evidence throughout the investigation and that they are applying these standards objectively and transparently.

• Pitfall: Lack of transparency - investigators may fail to document their decision-making process, making it difficult for others to evaluate the credibility of their findings.

Solution: investigators are nudged to document their decision-making process, including the evidence they weighed, the factors they considered, and the rationale for their conclusions. Be transparent about the limitations of the evidence, and the potential biases or uncertainties in the investigation.

The Roadmap to Success: At the heart of any safeguarding investigation is the need to uncover the truth. Safeguarding investigations must be?thorough, confidential, impartial, objective, and timely.?This requires a rigorous and systematic approach to evaluating the evidence, one that is grounded in the principles of fairness, objectivity, and accuracy.

We trust these Secrets of Effective Safeguarding Investigations will support you avoid common pitfalls, navigating complexities, and make accurate conclusions that can help safeguard those who need it most - with a trauma-focused approach.

Over to you..