What is the procedure for an assigned investigator to change the classification on an investigative report?

The correct procedure for an assigned investigator to change the classification on an investigative report involves changing the classification on the initial report or submitting a supplemental report. This approach allows the investigator to accurately reflect the updated findings or circumstances surrounding the investigation within the official documentation.

By changing the classification directly on the original report or through a supplemental report, it ensures continuity and clarity in the record-keeping process, maintaining an accurate timeline and context for future reference. This method also allows the investigator to incorporate any new evidence or developments that may have arisen since the initial report was filed.

In contrast, other options suggest processes that could be unnecessarily complicated or time-consuming. For instance, requesting approval from higher authorities could hinder the investigator's ability to make timely updates. Contacting the report writer, while collaborative, does not provide a formal mechanism for classification changes, and preparing an entirely new report may lead to confusion and duplicate information when an amendment or addition is more appropriate. Thus, the chosen procedure is efficient, maintains the integrity of the investigative history, and is the standard practice for handling such updates.