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Re: Destruction of notes and data -921 LEGAL CHAPTER REFERENCES
Posted by:
Jim Mazerat (IP Logged)
Date: February 19, 2007 10:01PM
I agree with you. I know I get off base sometimes but I would like to see more open philosophical decisions on the board with less of the attacks. When ever possible I try and post all information I may have on the subject and not just my side. I will admit, if one reads what is being posted then one their own do research on the subject it ends up being some of the best education one can get.
I try never to say it has to be my way to be right, but prefer those reading the post take all information into consideration and reach their own conclusion as to what is right.
As to the note taking, I like you have my own method that I am now comfortable with and will have not problem defending it. What I have been surprised about is learning the FBI has a standard operating policy with regards to field notes of interviews that includes the destruction of the original notes. Then I see a number of court cases over the country where the courts did not say it is alright to destroy these notes but said if this is the procedure after they have been transferred to another format they do not feel it is detrimental. This is all information I did not know about before this research.
I agree with you that the pendulum never stays still and there is a chance what is consider no harm today will be looked at in a completely different light tomorrow. I have tried, but have not succeeded in getting the point across that we should not paint ideas with a broad brush. Our profession has become very technical and one size fits all answers do not seem to work. Were there is nothing wrong with suggesting new ideas as to how investigations should be handled, if we say something is now a fact we should have something to back up the comment. The broad question that was asked saying give me one good reason for not keeping the notes to me was like the question when was the last time you beat your wife.
How those liking the philosophical discussions will continue to post their comment.