A clear investigation report can help prevent future incidents, promote transparency and hold people accountable for their actions. But, it’s not easy to produce a quality report after you’ve spent so much time gathering resources, connecting countless dots and talking to dozens of people. In this article, we’ll look at eight general rules for great investigative writing.

The first step in writing a good investigative report is identifying the subject of your investigation. This is where you will clarify the nature of the complaint or allegation, the timeline and any initial evidence you’ve gathered. Then, you’ll detail each step of your investigation in chronological order before moving on to the more detailed sections of your report.

Be Clear and Use Simple Language: It’s important to write in an accessible manner, avoiding jargon that could confuse or alienate readers. Also, be open about any challenges or constraints you faced during your investigation, which adds context and demonstrates that you’ve conducted due diligence.

Proofread Your Work: Grammatical errors and missed words can ruin even the most thorough investigation report, so make sure that you’ve carefully proofread your work. If this is not your strength, consider enlisting the help of a grammar guru or taking a writing course to polish up your skills. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a colleague to read your report and offer feedback.