What is a critical aspect of ensuring field notes are useful in an investigation?

A critical aspect of ensuring field notes are useful in an investigation is that they must be organized and detailed. Organized notes allow investigators to quickly locate specific information, which is essential when piecing together the timeline of events or identifying key facts about a case. Detailed notes provide a comprehensive account of observations, interviews, and other relevant information that can clarify the context of the investigation. This thoroughness not only aids the investigation process but also helps in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the notes if they are presented in court. Being organized and detailed ensures that notes are not only useful to the investigator but also can be easily understood by others involved in the process, such as law enforcement officials or in legal proceedings.

While being concise, using shorthand, or storing notes electronically can have their benefits, they do not replace the necessity for thorough organization and detail in the notes to ensure their effectiveness in an investigative context.