What are the five basic elements of a good investigative report?

The five basic elements of a good investigative report focus on reliability, clarity, and objectivity. Completeness ensures that the report covers all necessary facts and details pertaining to the investigation, providing a thorough understanding of the situation. Conciseness is crucial; the information should be presented in a way that is straightforward and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details that could confuse the reader. Clarity is indispensable as it allows the audience to easily grasp the content and implications of the report. Accuracy is critical in maintaining the integrity of the report by ensuring that all facts presented are correct and verifiable. Lastly, the report should be devoid of subjective judgment, allowing it to remain objective and centered solely on the facts collected during the investigation.

Other choices introduce elements that do not align with the principles of effective report writing. For instance, options that suggest the report should be lengthy or complex would detract from its readability and effectiveness. A report that lacks judgment is essential, promoting objectivity, while subjective or engaging attributes can steer the focus away from the factual basis of the investigation.