Investigation - Stage 4: Conduct investigation - Additional guidance

Purpose of the investigation review

The overall purpose of investigation reviews is to ensure all investigations are actively pursued to completion. Specifically the review provides the opportunity to:

• discuss the actions and progress to date - including whether time on site has been maximised and the number of site visits was kept to a minimum
• establish whether the mandatory investigation actions have been undertaken or agree the reasons why they cannot be in the circumstances
• decide whether the investigation is to be pursued further (consider the concluding criteria) and, if applicable, to establish the onward objectives together with reasonable lines of enquiry

At the review you can also provide advice and support as appropriate to the investigating inspector. The tendency for investigations to continue longer than necessary is often seen in less experienced/competent inspectors.

The requirement for reviews to be conducted only lasts for as long as the investigation continues. Once a prosecution is approved, it is part of the prosecution process and no longer falls within the investigation procedure.