An investigation research log records what was searched, where information came from and what follow-up resulted. It can reduce duplicated work and preserve context behind research findings.
Useful research-log fields
Consider research date, research question, search or source type, source reference, relevant result, verification status, related case issue and next action.
Preserve source references
Record enough information to return to the original public or authorized source rather than relying only on copied notes.
Separate discovery from verification
Information located during research may generate a lead without being independently verified. Keep those states distinct.
Record unsuccessful research
A concise note about searches that produced no useful result can prevent unnecessary repetition later.
For public-information missing-person research, see the CaseWorks Missing Persons Research Toolkit. For source organization, see the Source & Evidence Documentation Pack.
For lawful public-information or otherwise authorized research only. Do not use CaseWorks resources to invade privacy, bypass access controls, harass people or obtain information unlawfully. General organizational tools only.