Part I Fundamental requirements for an Investigations Unit Scepticism Good investigators do not necessarily accept evidence from anyone at face value. They look for corroboration wherever possible. Persistence Competent investigators never give up without a very good reason. They want to get to the truth and do not take no for an answer. If they are told that evidence – for example, a document or electronic file – is not available, they will want to know why. They will pursue the evidence unless there is a reasonable explanation as to why it cannot be provided. Adaptability Investigators have to be flexible in their approach. No two investigations are the same and all present unique challenges and opportunities. Investigators should be good at identifying both and developing strategies to deal with them. Empathy A degree of empathy will assist an investigator to better engage with and understand the perspectives of the people they are investigating. Empathy can also help build rapport with the parties to a complaint. Resilience Nobody likes being investigated. A lot may be at stake, both personally and professionally, and some parties to an investigation may take it personally. Those who are culpable, or who may be embarrassed by the outcome of an investigation, will not welcome an investigator and will seek to undermine the investigation. If that fails, they may claim that the investigative process was flawed. One way of doing so is to attack the credibility, impartiality or professionalism of the investigators. Investigators need to be resilient to deal with criticism. Courage Fear of physical harm or retribution is a very valid concern for some NHRI members and investigators. It can take a great deal of personal courage to conduct human rights investigations, especially in conflict areas. There may also be very serious consequences for investigators (and their employers) who embarrass powerful people with facts that they do not like. These consequences may also extend to family members. Judgment and common sense Good judgment and common sense are much underrated qualities. Investigators sometimes have to make difficult decisions, including what issues to investigate, what investigative avenues to pursue and to what extent. As mentioned in the Chapter 6, they have to be able to justify why they chose to – or choose not to – interview someone. That takes sound judgment, based on common sense. Strategic thinking Investigators need to be able to think ahead and think strategically. They need to be able to answer a range of challenging questions to ensure an effective investigation: • What approach will work best? • What are the possible obstacles? • How should a failure to cooperate be dealt with? • Is it possible to resolve or avoid a potential problem, before it arises? • How should responsibility for a lack of cooperation and delays be dealt with in order to address the difficulties encountered? Chapter 2: Training and experience | 21