Exam 17: Short, Informal Reports

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An investigative report is a detailed document that outlines the findings of an investigation into a specific incident or issue. This type of report is typically used in legal, corporate, or law enforcement settings to provide a comprehensive account of the investigation process, including evidence, interviews, and analysis.

For example, an investigative report may be conducted by a company's HR department to look into allegations of workplace harassment. The report would include details of the complaint, interviews with relevant parties, and any evidence gathered during the investigation.

On the other hand, an incident report is a document that provides a concise account of a specific event or occurrence. This type of report is often used in healthcare, public safety, and workplace settings to document accidents, injuries, or other unexpected incidents.

For example, an incident report may be filled out by a nurse to document a patient fall in a hospital. The report would include details of the incident, any injuries sustained, and any actions taken in response to the incident.

The main difference between an investigative report and an incident report is the level of detail and depth of analysis. Investigative reports are typically more comprehensive and involve a thorough examination of evidence and interviews, while incident reports are more focused on documenting the basic facts of a specific event. Additionally, investigative reports are often used to inform decision-making and potential legal action, while incident reports are used for documentation and analysis of safety and risk management.