30. Getting to the Facts. (Part 2)

An investigation will go wrong if it lacks the correct information due to asking the wrong questions. It is therefore important to identify the whole facts and determine what is involved eg; What rules have been broken and are there underlying issues or information that is being concealed. We also need to understand the basis of a person's rights as it is imperative to work with them to find out how certain information came about and where that knowledge came from and considering if they are a confidante' relevant the matters or what is the motivation or is there something else they are trying to avoid or prove but, whichever it may be a complaint is never an isolated event there is always a link. Are there those who may have indirect concerns about a complaint being raised or investigated and what is causing their discomfort and concern to rise? When two people disagree then, who would stand to have gained the vantage point and has a motive also becomes clear. A witness or reporter may try to distract or deceive you by giving you wrong, indirect answers or around about information and not precise direct answers. You need to be comfortable with the unease they are showing at such times and change the line of your questioning so it becomes simple yet direct and seeks yes or no answers, only but all the while remaining responsible and professional throughout the course of an interview to determine and ensure the conditions, standards and right length of time being spent on questioning so that these factors do not compromise the interview or violates a person's rights and remember... it is the investigator's job to remain unbiased and to find and confirm the facts, only. It is not their job or decision to determine what process or course of action should or should not follow once the correct information begins to come to light and the correct facts have finally been established.