Part II Planning an investigation Chapter 5: Investigation planning KEY QUESTIONS • What are the advantages of planning an investigation? • What are the key elements that investigation plans should contain? 1. INTRODUCTION No matter what type of investigation the NHRI is about to undertake, careful planning at the outset is key to conducting a focused, thorough, efficient and effective investigation. There are many advantages to creating an investigation plan, including: • establishing exactly what is – and what is not – being investigated • pinpointing where the evidence might be • identifying what problems might arise and the strategies to deal with them • determining what resources are required so the investigation can be completed within a reasonable time. An investigation plan should be a fluid and flexible tool that can be adapted as necessary for each investigation conducted by the NHRI. It is designed to help the investigator, not add an extra layer of paperwork. It should provide a reasonably comprehensive roadmap for the investigation but not create an additional burden. It is worth it. The time and effort spent identifying the issues and the sources of evidence, mapping out an overall strategy, anticipating potential problems, estimating resources and timelines, as well as setting investigative milestones, will help keep the investigation on track and avoid unnecessary delays and distractions. The investigator or investigating team should complete an investigation plan prior to beginning any investigation. In most cases, there will be enough time to put a plan together. In urgent cases, which require an immediate response, there may be less opportunity to do so. In these situations, a basic plan should be prepared in the time available. When further time allows, the plan should be reviewed and finalized. Many NHRIs plan their investigations. Some have developed investigation plan templates. For example, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines has a detailed six-category investigation plan template.27 The investigation plan template below is adapted from one prepared by the Canadian Military Ombudsman. However, it can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of individual NHRIs. 27 Manual on Investigation and Case Management Process; Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines; 2012. The six categories include: the allegations; the respondents; the relevant law(s); evidence provided to date; further evidence to be sought; and the plan of action and timeframes, which includes interviews and site inspections. Chapter 5: Investigation planning | 33