A case review is the point where separate pieces of investigative work are examined together. Instead of asking only whether individual tasks were completed, a structured investigation case review asks whether the chronology makes sense, important information is sourced, open leads are visible and unresolved work is documented.
What should an investigation case review cover?
The exact requirements depend on the organization and type of matter, but a general organizational review can examine six areas: case scope, chronology, leads, sources, interviews and outstanding actions.
1. Case scope and current status
Confirm that the case purpose, key issues and current status are clear. A reviewer should be able to understand what is being examined and what questions remain without reconstructing the entire file from scratch.
2. Chronology
Review important dates and events for gaps, conflicts and unclear sourcing. Check whether material entries identify where the information came from and whether unresolved verification issues remain visible.
3. Leads and follow-up
Review open, pending and completed leads. Look for leads without an owner or next action and make sure completed leads retain an outcome rather than simply disappearing from the working record.
4. Sources and documentation
Check that significant information can be traced to its source and that conflicts, corroboration and unresolved verification questions are documented where appropriate.
5. Interviews and contacts
Review planned and completed contacts, unsuccessful attempts, unresolved questions and follow-up generated by interviews. New information should be reflected in the appropriate chronology, source or lead record.
6. Outstanding actions
Identify overdue requests, pending reviews and administrative follow-up. Confirm that open actions have clear ownership and that completed actions have a closure or outcome record.
Start with the chronology
If your case information is still scattered, start with the free CaseWorks Investigation Timeline Template. No signup is required.
For an integrated workflow covering case intake, timelines, leads, sources, interviews, actions and review, see the CaseWorks Investigation & Case Management System.
Review for gaps, not for a preferred conclusion
A useful review should make missing information, conflicting information and unfinished work easier to see. It should not be used to force the record toward a predetermined explanation. Document what is known, what supports it and what remains unresolved.
CaseWorks resources are general organizational tools. They are not official law-enforcement forms and do not replace an organization's required review procedures, legal advice, evidentiary requirements or chain-of-custody procedures.
Case review for compliance and internal investigations
For lawful compliance or internal reviews, the same closure check can help surface unresolved chronology, source, interview and follow-up gaps. Browse the Compliance & Internal Investigation Templates for connected documentation and case-review tools.