Investigation interviews are easier to review when preparation, questions, contact history and follow-up are organized consistently. An investigation interview planning template can provide that structure without dictating what a witness should say or what conclusion an investigator should reach.
What belongs in an interview plan?
A general planning record can include the interview purpose, person or role to be contacted, relevant dates, topics to cover, records to review beforehand, planned questions, contact attempts and follow-up generated by the interview.
Review the case record first
Before drafting questions, review the relevant chronology, source records and open leads. The goal is to understand what is already documented, what conflicts and what remains unknown.
Organize questions by issue
Group questions around the subjects that need clarification. Open-ended questions can establish an account before narrower follow-up addresses dates, sources or discrepancies. Requirements differ by investigation type, organization and jurisdiction, so use any mandatory procedures that apply to the matter.
Track contact attempts separately
Record when contact was attempted, the method used, current status and next action. A contact log prevents unsuccessful attempts or promised follow-up from disappearing into narrative notes.
Capture follow-up without rewriting the interview
If an interview identifies a new person, document, event or unresolved question, add that work to the appropriate lead or action tracker. Preserve the interview record while allowing the broader case file to evolve.
Connect interviews to the rest of the case
For chronology and source tracking, start with the free CaseWorks Investigation Timeline Template. No signup is required.
For dedicated interview preparation and contact organization, see the CaseWorks Interview Planning & Contact Log. For timelines, leads, sources, interviews and actions together, see the CaseWorks Investigation & Case Management System.
Keep notes separate from conclusions
Interview documentation should make it easier to determine what was asked, what information was provided and what follow-up resulted. It should not turn assumptions into facts or force the record toward a predetermined conclusion.
CaseWorks resources are general organizational tools. They are not official law-enforcement forms and do not provide legal advice or replace interview, representation, recording, disclosure or documentation requirements that apply to a particular organization or jurisdiction.