How The Difference Between Relevant and Related Information Impacts Investigations
In the world of workplace and school-based investigations, it’s likely you will find yourself sifting through mountains of information. From email threads and screenshots to witness accounts and security footage, the volume of information can be overwhelming. As investigators, one of our tasks is to understand a subtle but critical distinction: the difference between related information and relevant evidence.
Defining the Terms
At first glance, these words might seem like synonyms. However, in a structured investigative process, they serve very different purposes.
● Related Information is anything with a connection to the parties involved or generally related to the allegation. It provides context, but it doesn’t necessarily help you determine if a specific policy was violated.
● Relevant Evidence is information which has a direct tendency to make a fact of consequence more or less probable. It is the information which helps you answer the question: “Did the alleged conduct happen?”
The Trap of "Related" Data
Imagine you are investigating a claim of workplace harassment. During an interview, a witness spends 20 minutes describing the respondent’s “difficult personality” and a minor argument they had over a lunchroom refrigerator three years ago.
Is this information related? Yes. It involves the person being investigated and takes place in the same office. However, unless that three-year-old argument establishes a specific pattern of behavior directly tied to the current allegation, it is likely not relevant.
The danger of focusing too much on related information is “scope creep.” When an investigator follows every tangential lead, the process becomes bloated, timelines stretch, and the final report becomes cluttered with noise which distracts decision-makers from the core issues.
Identifying Relevancy through Scope
At Prism Investigations, we emphasize the key to distinguishing between the two is a well-defined scope. Before you dive into fact-finding, you must pinpoint the key allegations and the specific policies at play (e.g., discrimination or harassment, or internal conduct codes).
When you encounter a piece of information, ask yourself:
Does this directly support or refute an element of the allegation?
Does it speak to the credibility of a witness regarding the incident in question?
Would its absence change the final determination of the case?
If the answer to these questions is no, you’re likely looking at information which is merely related.
Why the Distinction Matters
Maintaining this boundary is essential for a fair and defensible investigation. By staying focused on relevancy, investigators ensure their final reports are clear, concise, and objective. This disciplined approach not only protects the integrity of the process but also provides organizations with the clear, fact-based narrative they need to make informed decisions.
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