Intelligence and investigation reports are critical to the success of any investigation. However, how can you ensure these reports are comprehensible to all readers, regardless of their technical background? Here are a couple of valuable insights for writing great reports.
Online investigations reports often contain highly technical and complex information. It’s essential to present this information as a coherent story.
The goal of the report is to tell a story. A well-structured report should be easy to understand and follow, much like an article or a book. Simply presenting collected data without analysis isn’t enough; it turns investigators into mere evidence collectors.
A report could be used in different ways by people with various backgrounds. For instance, it might be escalated to the CEO of an insurance company who may not have a technical background. Simplification is key.
While it’s crucial to make the report accessible, it doesn’t mean excluding technical details. Hash values, timestamps, IP addresses, and OSINT data are essential for the legal validity of the evidence. These technical aspects can be included in the appendix, ensuring the main narrative remains clear and engaging.
A CEO, for example, doesn’t want to read all that technical detail. They expect that if you present them with evidence, you’ve already ensured its legal validity.
The final part of your investigation report should tie everything together. Just as a story builds to a climax, your report should guide the reader to a clear conclusion. Summarize the key findings, emphasize the implications of the evidence, and suggest actionable next steps. This ensures that decision-makers, regardless of their background, are left with a clear understanding of the situation and the necessary course of action.
A strong conclusion also reinforces the story you’ve told throughout the report, making it memorable and impactful. It’s not just about what you found; it’s about what it means and what should happen next.
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