Principles of Investigative Documentation

Told with a wry humor wrought from decades of investigative experience, this book outlines what the authors call the "Five Principles of Investigative Documentation." These principles encompass note taking, running resumes, report writing, statements, and document retention. The book teaches when and how to apply each of these practices during investigations, providing plenty of real-world examples. It also covers important legal concepts, like attorney-client privilege and evidence. However, this book is not just a how-to about documenting investigations. It is also part memoir of its primary author, Philip Becnel, and part philosophical treatise on why anguishing over your documentation shapes you into a more conscientious and impactful investigator. The authors make a case that documentation is an integral part of every investigation, not a thing you do afterward. They argue that reports are the primary, tangible work product of every successful investigation and that document retention, particularly in criminal defense cases, can be a bastion against injustice, an affirmation that your clients' lives matter and that the work you do brings lasting value to society. Read more