Which items are included in a complete investigation file?

• A. Defendant and co-defendant statements; Witness statements; Investigating officers' notes; Results of tests and exams; Any other matter or evidence obtained
• B. Defendant statements only
• C. Only witness statements
• D. Only results of tests and exams

Answer: (D)

A complete investigation file is meant to be a comprehensive record of all material gathered during the investigation. It should include statements by the defendant and any co-defendants, statements from witnesses, the investigators' notes documenting findings and observations, the results of tests and exams, and any other matter or evidence obtained that bears on the case. Having all these items together provides the necessary context, allows verification of statements, and supports decisions about admissibility and trial preparation. Focusing only on the results of tests and exams leaves out critical context such as who said what, how witnesses described events, and contemporaneous impressions from investigators, making the file incomplete and potentially misleading. Some items might be subject to privilege or protective rules, but the baseline expectation is that the file captures all relevant evidence gathered.