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A little can become a lot

Grant • 13 August 2020

How a little becomes a lot


During investigative proceedings we start usually with limited and basic information. The goal is to expand what we know until the clients need are met. There are many considerations during the process such as if they are achievable, what the standard of proof is, how to gather the information, evaluating conflicting information and the level of discretion.

Imagine two different scenarios, both are plain and the conclusion obvious; but it should be considered in every case. Mr X wants us to find his estranged sister from 30 years ago and Mr Z who wants to find
out if his wife is having an affair. Now the information gathering techniques may be the same for both instances, the standard of proof may be the same but level of discretion would be very different. Indeed Mr X may be fine with us conducting interviews with the intention plainly laid out however Mr Z would definitely not. Each case has varying requirements in how it is conducted and each element of investigative practice is not always the same. A practical and legal approach is needed to ensure we act in the correct manner. In most cases discussing how we gather information with the client is an important part of the pre-investigative stage. In some cases a PI can assume higher burdens of proof or higher levels of discretion without any potential harm coming as a consequence. For example it would be safe to assume Mr Z would not like his wife's toy boy interviewed for a statement, we need not ask. 



Once we have laid out how we will proceed we begin in attempting to make a little information become much more. Initially the basic personal bio is the primary concern for the subjects in question. Establishing date of birth, birth place, nationality, gender, physical description, address, phone numbers etc. Once we have established these facts we can use that information to begin gathering more. It's at this stage where we can reach information overload, it's important to reign in your information gathering abilities and focus on your clients needs. The colour socks they wore on Tuesday is meaningless to your client. The Human right to a private life is an important consideration as we have a legal requirement to only gather information that is essential to the investigation. 


Once an adequate amount of information is gathered about the person we can take stock of what we have achieved. Put it in a plain format document and begin to question if it meets the clients needs. If in this case it does not we evaluate what we have and what is achievable. 


Some investigations can be more difficult if the information you start with is more vague. Name only or name and business are common beginnings for investigations. Social media and Companies house registrations would be an obvious start however is it important not to discount the offline world as it's where the real action goes on. This can be the most difficult part of an investigation as when you have the initial personal information of the person it is infinitely easier to progress the investigation.


Much of this information may seem obvious to anyone who reads it but rest assured it is the obvious which is often forgotten as it enveloped in a shroud of minor details which may not be of any use to anyone.


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