What should an inspector primarily rely on when documenting evidence during an investigation?

The primary focus of an inspector should be on original documents and field notes when documenting evidence during an investigation. This is because original documents provide a reliable, verifiable source of information that is often necessary for substantiating findings. These may include records such as inspection reports, permits, and correspondence that are official and can be cross-referenced with other evidence.

Field notes are equally important as they capture observations made in real time during an inspection. They allow the inspector to detail conditions, specific locations, and any pertinent circumstances that may not be present in other forms of evidence. Together, original documents and thorough field notes create a comprehensive account of the investigation, enhancing the reliability of the findings.

While witness testimonies can provide useful supplementary information, they are subjective and can vary in accuracy. Anecdotal evidence from conversations may lack the rigor needed for formal documentation and could be considered less reliable since it does not have a formal source. Relying solely on photographic evidence is also limited; while it can illustrate conditions or violations, it must be contextualized with other supporting documentation to form a complete and coherent understanding of the investigation. Thus, the method of basing documentation primarily on original documents and field notes provides the strongest foundation for any investigation conducted by an inspector