Writing an Investigative Case Report | Findings and Recommendations

Why Should You Attend:

If you are responsible for conducting or supervising investigations it is critical for you to be able to prepare a well-written, thorough, accurate, clear, and unbiased investigative report that captures all pertinent investigative information. It is imperative you are able to convey to a reader the pertinent facts of a case. In addition, you must be able to articulate in writing the results (findings) of your investigation that must be supported by case report summary. You should also be able identify and articulate recommendations to rectify any negative actionable findings.

This webinar will focus on developing good-professional writing skills and assist with oral communication skills. In this session, attendees will discover a workable format and style of reporting that has been lauded by United States Attorney’s Office across the country.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• How to synthesize an abundance of investigative information into a concise, thorough, accurate, and unbiased report.
• How to create an easy to read, professional looking document.
• How to effectively organize your case report. (A case report is rarely written in the chronological order of the investigation).
• How to use exhibits to strengthen the report.
• The proper use of footnotes - when and when not to use them.
• How to utilize transition words and phrases to better convey your message.

Who Will Benefit:

• Investigators
• Auditors
• Investigative Supervisors
• Loss Prevention Professionals
• Fraud Examiners
• Attorneys
• Labor Relations Professionals
• Human Resource Professionals

John E Grimes
Owner, Fraud and Loss Prevention Solutions

John E. Grimes III has over 45 years of progressive law enforcement, criminal investigation, fraud examination, loss prevention, leadership, and teaching experience. He began his career with the Baltimore City Police Department where he became a detective in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He left Baltimore and became a special agent with the newly created Amtrak Police Department Fraud and Organized Crime Unit. He was then promoted to captain of the CID. In 1993, Mr. Grimes joined the Amtrak Office of Inspector General/Office of Investigations. He was appointed chief inspector in 1999 and retired from service in 2011. Since his retirement his efforts have focused on education, training, and mentoring. He is an adjunct instructor at Stevenson University teaching graduate level courses in forensic interviewing and fraud examination. He is an advisory committee member for the Center for Forensic Excellence at Stevenson University. He is also on the Stevenson University Forensic Advisory Board.

In addition, Mr. Grimes is the proprietor of Fraud and Loss Prevention Solutions. He developed and taught an introductory loss prevention course for Blue Ridge CC in NC. Additionally, he has been a speaker, presenter, and trainer at many ACFE events, as well as government, private, and professional organizations.

Mr. Grimes is the immediate past president of the Maryland Chapter-ACFE. During his term as president, the Maryland Chapter was the honored recipient of the 2015 ACFE Chapter of the Year Award. He has been a Certified Fraud Examiner since 1997. He is also recognized as a Certified Forensic Interviewer by the Center for Interview Standards and Assessments, Ltd. Mr. Grimes is a member of the Reid Institute and the Loss Prevention Foundation. He was a former staff officer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where he was recognized as an instructor specialist and a marine safety and environmental protection specialist.

Topic Background:

Representatives from government agencies and attorneys in Maryland attended a forum hosted by The Center for Forensic Excellence at Stevenson University. These representatives identified a critical problem of communication skills, both in writing and oral testimony, of individuals employed in the investigative/forensic field. Individuals who conduct investigation must be able to effectively communicate in writing the results of their investigation. At the conclusion, or at interim points of an investigation, it is advisable to prepare a case report that includes the summary of the investigation along with findings and recommendations. Most agencies and businesses that employ investigative units require case reports and have a standard format to use. No matter what format that is utilized, the writer must be able to communicate to the reader what pertinent investigative information was learned in a clear, accurate, thorough, concise, and unbiased manner.

The writer must keep in mind that the case report could be utilized for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, or civil action. The writer must be prepared to testify to the accuracy of the report to a tribunal if needed. The writer must also be aware that the case report will be an official document that could be dissected by opposing counsel if it used as the basis for adverse action against an individual or organization. Therefore, it is imperative that the author of a case report be able to synthesize a plethora of information learned during an investigation and capture it in a well written report.

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