It is the policy of many investigators to shred their field notes after they produce their report. What is the opinion of the list members on this practice?
A second kind of data destruction occurs in some laboratories. After preparing a paper copy of a small potion of the data (that which they believe supports their conclusion) chemists purge the electronic data files that were the source of the data used to make the printouts. Is that situation any different?
I was trained as a scientist, and each laboratory course that I took required that I obtain a permanently bound notebook with numbered pages. If I made an incorrect entry, I was required to cross it out with a single line and place my initials and date next to the correction. This practice made me more careful about what I wrote down, but also kept track of my progress.
When notes are shredded, or data is purged, it is my view that a meaningful review of the shredder's or purger's conclusions is not possible.
On the other hand, I frequently make changes to reports to correct typos and grammatical errors, and to make them more understandable. There are those who would say that to be consistent, I should save all my drafts. I don't.
What purpose, other than to deny the "other” side information, is served by destroying notes? How is destroying notes different from destroying photographs or any other kind of evidence?
John Lentini, CFI, D-ABC
Fire Investigation Consultant
Florida Keys
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