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Re: Destruction of notes and data
Posted by:
SJAvato (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2007 06:25PM
Just a quick question for the "private" guys; Do you ever need to turn your notes over to anyone? If I understood previous posts correctly, if your report is not going to be used in a legal proceeding, then you have no obligation to produce it or any documentation associated with it. In fact, it has been said that it might be illegal, unethical or bad business practice to make the opposing side aware of your report if the client doesn't want you to. So my question is : Once you have produced a report for the client, why would you keep your notes? Seems that it is your option to save or destroy them. And yet, we argue that "public sector" investigators must keep their notes to be turned over for analysis (potentially) by private "experts" who will provide tips on impeachment without ever, themselves, producing a report or exposing themselves to questioning. Perhaps there is nothing wrong or improper recorded in the notes, but I'm sure some clever expert could find plenty in them to criticize. So, if I was not obligated to keep them, why would I expose myself to the potential criticism that, although not substantive, may provide fodder for attack that simply clouds an issue? I'll keep them, doesn't matter to me. I love to argue.
Steve