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27 <br /> Investigative Guidance <br /> 1. Scope of Investigation —An investigation should be confined to the issues and facts relevant to the <br /> allegations in the complaint, unless evidence shows the need to extend the issues. <br /> 2. Developing an Investigative Plan—It is recommended that the investigator prepares an Investigative <br /> Plan (IP) to define the issues and lay out the blueprint to complete the investigation. The IP should <br /> follow the outline below: <br /> • Complainant(s) Name and Address (Attorney name and address if applicable) <br /> • Respondent(s) Name and Address (Attorney for the Respondent(s) name and address) <br /> • Applicable Law(s) <br /> • Basis/(es) <br /> • Allegation(s)/Issue(s) <br /> • Background <br /> • Name of Persons to be interviewed <br /> • Questions for the complainant(s) <br /> • Questions for the respondent(s) <br /> • Questions for witness(es) <br /> • Evidence to be obtained during the investigation <br /> • Issue—e.g., Complainant alleges his predominantly African American community was excluded <br /> from a meeting concerning a future project which could affect the community. <br /> • Documents needed: e.g., mailing list which shows all physical addresses, P.O. Box numbers, <br /> property owner names, and dates when the meeting notification was mailed; other methods <br /> used by the RPO to advertise the meeting. <br /> 3. Request for Information — The investigator should gather data and information pertinent to the <br /> issues raised in the complaint. <br /> 4. Interviews — Interviews should be conducted with the complainant, respondent, and appropriate <br /> witnesses during the investigative process. Interviews are conducted to gain a better understanding <br /> of the situation outlined in the complaint of discrimination. The main objective during the interview <br /> is to obtain information that will either support or refute the allegations. <br /> 5. Developing an Investigative Report—The investigator should prepare an investigative report setting <br /> forth all relevant facts obtained during the investigation.The report should include a finding for each <br /> issue. A sample investigative report is provided below. <br />