Physical Security Professional Certification Practice Exam

What might be a negative aspect of investigative notes?

1. They can cloud the objectivity of a report

2. They are sometimes misunderstood by juries

3. They can create legal implications if not retained

4. They are often irrelevant to the case

The correct answer is: They can cloud the objectivity of a report

Investigative notes can indeed cloud the objectivity of a report. When writing investigative notes, the interpretation and perspective of the note-taker can influence how facts and observations are recorded. If personal biases or emotions bleed into the notes, this can lead to a skewed representation of the events or evidence. Such subjectivity compromises the integrity of the report, making it challenging for others to draw impartial conclusions from the documented information. Additionally, while misunderstandings by juries, legal implications of retention, and relevance to the case are valid concerns, they don’t directly address how the notes impact the objectivity of the investigative process itself. Not maintaining objectivity through proper note-taking can have ramifications not only for the note-taker but also for the overall credibility of the investigation.