Physical Security Professional Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Phases of Investigation?

1. Verification and Analysis

2. Preparation and Planning

3. Reporting and making recommendations

4. Information gathering

The correct answer is: Reporting and making recommendations

In the process of investigations, the phases are designed to guide professionals through a structured approach. The Five Phases of Investigation typically include Preparation and Planning, Information Gathering, Verification and Analysis, and Reporting and making recommendations follows after these initial phases. The reason why "Reporting and making recommendations" is viewed as not one of the foundational phases revolves around the understanding that while it is crucial to the overall process, it is seen as a culmination or output of the preceding phases, rather than a distinct phase on its own. The primary phases focus on the methodological steps that lead to findings, whereas reporting synthesizes those findings into actionable intelligence or conclusions. In contrast, Verification and Analysis, Preparation and Planning, and Information Gathering are essential steps that need to be explicitly carried out during the investigation. They set the groundwork for gathering evidence, analyzing data, and ensuring that the investigation is sound and methodical from inception to conclusion. These earlier phases lay the foundation for effective reporting and recommendations, which rely heavily on the quality and thoroughness of the investigation conducted prior.