All investigations undertaken by Stopline require preparation, planning, execution, review and conclusion.  We have had considerable success in managing our investigations by following a structured phased approach.

An example of the process we follow is as follows:

Phase 1 – Receipt of a brief:

Upon receipt of the client’s brief, our dedicated Senior Manager of Investigations will contact the nominated case manager to discuss the matter and seek clarification on any points not included in the brief, or that require exploration. This also allows the client to outline issues, roadblocks and expectations for the investigation.

Phase 2 – Investigation planning:

Stopline will draft an investigation plan, populated by analysis of the information gathered from Phase 1. A suitable investigator will be appointed, and specialist resources nominated to undertake this investigation. The draft investigation plan is then submitted to the client for approval.

Phase 3 – Investigation:

Stopline will conduct the investigation as per the investigation plan outline.  This may include:

a)      Interview of witnesses;

b)      Analysis of policy, acts or guideline documents;

c)      Collection of electronically stored evidence;

d)      Processing and analysis of electronically stored information;

e)      Collation of evidence; and,

f)    Interview respondent(s) to the allegations.

Phase 4 – Provide professional advice (if required):

Based on the information and evidence gathered to date, it may be appropriate that a recommendation be submitted for the matter to be progressed. This phase can be decided as relevant or not in consultation with you.

Phase 5 – Reporting/Brief of Evidence:

Completion of a comprehensive and unbiased report or brief of evidence. The report will provide an analysis of the evidence, findings, conclusions and any recommendations based on the available evidence. 

Dependent on the requirements for the particular investigation and circumstances surrounding it, Stopline will ensure that the evidence obtained during the investigation has been proven or considered on the ‘balance of probabilities’ or reasonable belief or a contravention of the Code of Conduct and findings based on the ‘Briginshaw’ test.

Conversely our investigators can also manage investigations and present findings based on the criminal standard of proof, being beyond reasonable doubt.  This will be dependent on instructions received from you during the planning phases of an investigation.

Stopline reports can be tailored to suit your requirements. Stopline reports, at a minimum will include:

a)      Detail or list of allegations;

b)      Listing of evidence collected and considered during the investigation;

c)      Analysis of the evidence;

d)      Findings based on the available evidence;

e)      Observations of any control, policy or system weaknesses identified as part of the investigation (if required); and

f)       All evidence considered are added as appendices to the report.

Once the investigator has compiled the report including all evidence analysed, and if appropriate a recommendation or conclusion based on the facts drawn from the information gathered, it will then be forwarded for quality assurance and review.

Phase 6 – Quality assurance (QA) and review:

The investigators report and all documents are then subject to quality review. Depending on the requirements, a draft report for consideration maybe submitted, otherwise a final report or brief of evidence will be submitted.

Phase 7 – Report finalisation/ brief presentation:

Once the draft report has been submitted and the information accepted, the report is then finalised. When the final report is approved by Stopline, the report including all supporting documentation is formerly submitted to the client.

Phase 8 - Conclusion:

The investigation file including all investigator notes, briefing papers, investigators log, expenses incurred, a copy of the report submitted and working papers are securely archived and the Stopline data base is updated to close the file.

For more information on Investigations, or if you would like assistance with a matter, please do not hesitate to contact Stopline on (03) 9882 4550 or at andrewmcleish@stopline.com.au.