A · C · C · E · S · S
Six stages: Assess, Collect, Collate, Evaluate, Survey, Summarize. Each is a discipline, not a checkbox. The investigator moves between them as information surfaces, returning to earlier stages whenever new facts demand it.
Hover any stage to see the full breakdown
Evaluate the known facts, environment, evidence, communication dynamics, investigative priorities, risks, behavioral considerations, and credibility factors.
Assess
The investigative process begins with assessment. Investigators must evaluate:
- the known facts
- the environment
- available evidence
- communication dynamics
- investigative priorities
- risks and vulnerabilities
- behavioral considerations
- credibility factors
Assessment establishes the foundation for every investigative decision that follows. Within Conversation Management, this phase also includes evaluating how communication conditions may impact the quality of information obtained during interviews.
Gather information, evidence, observations, statements, and intelligence relevant to the inquiry, with thoroughness and accuracy and without premature conclusions.
Collect
The investigator gathers information, evidence, observations, statements, and intelligence relevant to the inquiry. This includes:
- witness accounts
- behavioral observations
- physical evidence
- documentary evidence
- digital evidence
- contextual information
- timelines
- investigative leads
The collection phase emphasizes thoroughness and accuracy while avoiding premature conclusions. Conversation Management strongly reinforces the importance of strategic listening and purposeful information gathering during this stage.
Organize and structure what has been gathered. Collation transforms raw information into usable investigative understanding by identifying patterns, comparing statements, and connecting evidence to investigative objectives.
Collate
Once information is gathered, it must be organized and structured. Collation involves:
- organizing facts
- identifying patterns
- comparing statements
- establishing timelines
- identifying gaps
- evaluating consistencies and inconsistencies
- connecting evidence to investigative objectives
This phase transforms raw information into usable investigative understanding. The model recognizes that information alone has limited value unless it is properly organized and interpreted within the broader investigative context.
Critically assess reliability, credibility, evidentiary value, corroboration, behavioral indicators, investigative significance, legal implications, and alternative explanations.
Evaluate
Evaluation is an ongoing process throughout the investigation. Investigators critically assess:
- reliability
- credibility
- evidentiary value
- corroboration
- behavioral indicators
- investigative significance
- legal implications
- alternative explanations
The ACCESS Model discourages assumption-based thinking and instead promotes disciplined analytical reasoning. Conversation Management reinforces that evaluation should focus on the totality of information rather than simplistic behavioral myths or isolated observations.
Review the broader investigative landscape and determine strategic direction moving forward. Reassess priorities, identify additional inquiries, consider alternative hypotheses, and adapt as new information emerges.
Survey
Survey refers to reviewing the broader investigative landscape and determining strategic direction moving forward. This includes:
- reassessing investigative priorities
- identifying additional inquiries
- determining unresolved issues
- evaluating operational strategy
- considering alternative hypotheses
- reviewing communication effectiveness
- adapting investigative plans as new information emerges
The survey phase reflects the model's emphasis on flexibility and adaptive thinking rather than rigid investigative processes.
Clearly articulate findings, decisions, evidence, and investigative conclusions through reporting, documentation, and presentation. Investigative work ultimately depends on the investigator's ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally.
Summarize
The final phase involves clearly articulating findings, decisions, evidence, and investigative conclusions. Summarization includes:
- investigative reporting
- documentation
- communication of findings
- presentation of evidence
- briefing decision-makers
- preparing judicial or organizational materials
- ensuring clarity and defensibility
This phase recognizes that investigative work ultimately depends upon the investigator's ability to communicate information clearly, accurately, and professionally.
