Module 13

Background
The planning of a major investigation is no different to the planning of any major project, except by virtue of the focus and skills that are required to provide results.

Taking the topics that are used to explain and define project management and applying them to the investigatory product, will assist those who may be responsible for the management of an investigation but whose experience lies in another sector, and also those who are new to investigation planning and are seeking a deeper understanding of the processes.

Project Management Considerations
The considerations of relevance in the planning of an investigation are:

• The purpose of the investigation
• The interim objectives
• The budget
• Task breakdown and definition
• Organisation of the investigation
• Allocation of responsibilities
• Identification of assumptions
• Progress reports
• Changing the plan
• Phase reports (sitreps)
• Reporting the result

All are now addressed in more detail.

The purpose of the investigation
The obvious question, yet perhaps not asked at the outset because in many cases the investigation is considered to be 'routine' - another serious assault, another armed robbery, and so on.

In reality, there is a certain element of common sense evident here. In any project, be it an investigation or building of a major engineering challenge, there is going to be a certain 'process' that will be followed regardless of the slight differences that exist between one project and the next.

In order for everyone involved in an investigation to be able to keep their eye on the ball, they have to know what the ball looks like, and they have to know the rules of the game if they are to do anything useful with that ball.

Stating the objective of the investigation clarifies the situation for everyone, and allows them to focus on what has to be done, and what may or may not have to be put to one side in order for that to happen.

Stating the objective creates an agreement between all those involved in its organisation, administration and execution that all will work to the same end. It allows for responsibilities and accountabilities to be set.

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