What are the phases of investigation?
Asked by: Thalia Cartwright DDS | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (59 votes)
The phases of an investigation generally follow a logical progression: Initial Response & Securing, Fact Gathering & Evidence Collection, Analysis & Hypothesis Testing, Reporting & Documentation, and Case Closure, though specific steps vary by field (criminal, corporate, scientific). Key activities include securing the scene/data, interviewing witnesses, collecting physical/digital evidence, forensic analysis, developing theories, and preparing reports, all while maintaining legal and procedural integrity.
What are the three phases of investigation?
The document outlines the phases of a criminal investigation which typically includes identifying the criminal, tracing and locating them, and gathering evidence to prove their guilt in court. It discusses that the three phases are not necessarily separate but often occur simultaneously.
What are the 5 steps of the investigation process?
A typical 5-step investigation process involves defining the scope, collecting evidence/information, interviewing witnesses, analyzing facts to find root causes, and reporting findings with recommendations, ensuring fairness and timeliness throughout to uncover the truth and prevent recurrence. While specific steps vary slightly by context (workplace, criminal), these core actions guide most formal investigations.
What are the 5 stages of the investigative cycle?
The key stages of the intelligence cycle typically include:
- Planning and direction.
- Collection.
- Processing.
- Analysis and evaluation.
- Dissemination.
What are the 7 steps of investigation?
Find out how these steps apply to any investigation.
- Identify Scene Dimensions. Locate the focal point of the scene. ...
- Establish Security. Tape around the perimeter. ...
- Create a Plan & Communicate. ...
- Conduct Primary Survey. ...
- Document and Process Scene. ...
- Conduct Secondary Survey. ...
- Record and Preserve Evidence.
Phases of investigation
What are the types of investigations?
9 Types of criminal investigations
- Homicide. Detectives in the homicide unit are responsible for investigating the killing of one person by another. ...
- Cybercrimes. ...
- Forensic investigations. ...
- Fraud. ...
- Family and sexual violence. ...
- Crimes against property. ...
- Cold cases. ...
- Narcotics.
What are the 7 S's?
The 7 S's are structure, strategy, systems, skills, style, staff and shared values.
What are the six basic steps in an investigation?
Six steps for successful incident investigation
- STEP 1 – IMMEDIATE ACTION. ...
- STEP 2 – PLAN THE INVESTIGATION. ...
- STEP 3 – DATA COLLECTION. ...
- STEP 4 – DATA ANALYSIS. ...
- STEP 5 – CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. ...
- STEP 6 – REPORTING. ...
- TOOLS TO HELP.
What is the 5 why investigation process?
5 Whys is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a problem. The goal is to determine the root cause of a problem by repeating the question “Why?”. Each answer forms the basis of the next question.
What is the process of investigation?
The investigation process is defined as a systematic approach to objectively evaluate facts, information, and evidence to identify the root causes of incidents, ensuring that all plausible scenarios are considered to prevent future occurrences.
What are the 5 P's of investigation?
The five P's stand for “parts, position, paper, people and paradigms.” While the data in this case was collected by software, the method is sound and can be used to get great results without software.
What are the 8 steps of investigation?
8 Steps to Conducting Workplace Investigations
- Set Up a Complaint Process. ...
- Decide Whether to Open an Investigation. ...
- Inform the Respondent. ...
- Choose an Investigator. ...
- Collect Evidence and Witness Statements. ...
- Assess the Evidence. ...
- Deliver an Investigation Report. ...
- Take Follow-Up Action.
What are the six methods of investigation?
An effective incident investigation involves six main steps, which are described in detail below:
- Secure the Scene. ...
- Plan the Investigation. ...
- Collect All Relevant Information. ...
- Analyze Collected Data to Find the Root Cause. ...
- Implement Corrective Actions. ...
- Document and Share the Results.
What are the 4 phases of site investigation?
Site investigation can be broadly classified into four stages: reconnaissance, data and map study, in-depth investigation and laboratory testing.
What are the 7 stages of a case?
The 7 stages of a criminal trial generally include Jury Selection, Opening Statements, Prosecution's Case (witnesses/evidence), Defense's Case, followed by Closing Arguments, Jury Instructions, and finally, the Verdict and potential Sentencing, though pre-trial phases like investigation, arraignment, and discovery also precede these. These steps guide the presentation of evidence and arguments, culminating in a decision by the jury or judge.
What are the five steps of investigation?
Five Phase Investigation Process
- Phase I: Preparation and Planning. ...
- Phase II: Information Gathering and Problem Identification. ...
- Phase III: Verification and Analysis. ...
- Phase IV: Disbursement of Disciplinary and Corrective Action. ...
- Phase V: Prevention and Education. ...
- Summary. ...
- Confidentiality. ...
- Attorney/Client Privilege.
Why is it called the 5 Whys?
The primary goal is to determine the root cause of a defect or a problem by successively asking the question “Why?”. The number '5' here comes from the anecdotal observation that five iterations of asking why is usually sufficient enough to reveal the root cause.
What are the seven basic steps of an investigation?
These are known as the 7 S's of crime scene investigation.
- Secure the Scene.
- Separate the Witnesses.
- Scan the Scene.
- See the Scene.
- Sketch the Scene.
- Search for Evidence.
- Secure and Collect Evidence.
What are the 7 steps to incident investigation?
The 7 steps of accident investigation typically involve: Securing the Scene, Gathering Information (photos, documents, witness statements), Analyzing Data (identifying immediate causes), conducting a Cause/Root Cause Analysis, developing Corrective Actions, Reporting Findings, and Implementing Changes to prevent recurrence, focusing on system failures, not blame. While steps can vary slightly by source, these core phases cover the essential process from incident response to prevention.
What are the pillars of investigation?
Even though investigators are familiar with this risk, they still face growing barriers to success. However, Investigators can overcome these challenges to build a defensible investigation by building off timeliness, thoroughness, and comprehensive reporting—the three pillars for a defensible investigation.
What are the four steps of an investigation?
OSHA suggests a 4-step approach:
- Preserve/Document The Scene.
- Collect Information.
- Determine The Root Causes.
- Implement Corrective Action.
What is the McKinsey 7 model?
The McKinsey 7S Model divides elements into "hard" (strategy, structure, systems) and "soft" (shared values, skills, style, staff) components, creating a broad framework for organizational analysis. Each element is interconnected, so changes in one area will likely impact others.
What are the 7 reasons why things are seen?
The 7 S's of tactical concealment—Shape, Shine, Shadow, Silhouette, Sound, Speed/Sudden Movement, and Spacing—explain how humans detect presence.
What are the 5 search patterns used by CSI investigators?
There are several methods used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world that follow six basic crime scene search patterns.
- Strip method.
- Wheel method.
- Spiral method.
- Zone method.
- Grid method.
- Line method. ...
- After the entire scene has been photographed, the gathering of evidence can begin.