May 1986, Revised July 1996
Training Information Series
TI-5, CASE SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST
By Francis L. Ridge
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This Training Information paper provides what is suggested regarding content of case submittal based on many years experience of field investigators. Although this is covered in the MUFON Field Investigator's Manual, the format used is designed to be as a checklist. Used by the State Director and or DDI , the form can be used to request further information from the Fl. Finally, copies of the form can actually be be used as part of the final report.
 

SIGHTING BACKGROUND
A description of the circumstances surrounding the receipt of the initial UFO sighting information or abduction report. Simply attach copy of initial report form or "message slip".

 Notice of Initial Report - Message Slip
Initial Form/Material Checklist
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SIGHTING ACCOUNT
Form 1, General Cases, should include witness notes or brief chronological composite or consolidation of the UFO sighting account.

SIGHTING INVESTIGATION
Activity Log. Simple chronological log by date, time and place denoting the tasks the FI carried out during the investigation. Sample on page two.

INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION
FI Notes. A description of the interview and interrogation. This should include where and how the interview took place (mail, telephone, or onsite).

ADDITIONAL WITNESS CHECK
FI Notes. The circumstances surrounding how, when, and where additional witnesses were located and any subsequent interviews and interrogations including the FI's personal impressions of these witnesses and their home environment, interests, etc.

SOURCE TEST
A list of what natural or man-made objects were checked in an effort to identify the stimulus for the reported UFO is attached to this report. The reasons for rejecting or suspecting each, as being the stimulus should be clearly noted. (See TI~3).

WITNESS BACKGROUND CHECK
FI Notes. A list of the persons checked, their comments about the witness's character and their relationship to the witness. This section should include the FI's impressions of the witness personality, credibility, etc.

OTHER DATA NEEDED
Includes other forms, drawings, as needed for special evidence.

COMMENTS INTERROGATING FI

THE INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY LOG
If you don't have a computer or word processor, use a typewriter or a notebook. Title the log by location and date. Keep separate logs for different cases.

THE LOG'S CURRENT DATE IS THE DATE OF THE LAST ENTRY. If stored on computer, you simply load it, make a new entry, and save.

SAMPLE LOG

Subject: Investigation Activity Log "Jones" Case, 1/4/95

 Jan 5, 9:00 PM. Received preliminary report on Jones case, a CE-2, set date for interview on 1/9 at 7:00 PM, at witness' home.

Jan 6, Sent copy of preliminary report (message slip) to MUFON since this is a priority case.

Jan 9, 7:00 PM. Conducted interview on-site. Witness drove us to location approximately 2 miles from home. Was assisted by FIT Bob 0lson.
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The time of entry is important for certain things, such as when you were contacted about the case or when you called checking on a lead. Or when you went to the site and took measurements or photos. It's a good habit to put down the date AND time for each entry. Keep in mind, you don't have to make a formal entry every time you do something, just jot down the date and time on your notes. Then, when you do make your log entries you simply gather your notes in chronological order and summarize the action taken.

When asked by someone (the Deputy Director of Investigation or Regional Director, or members of the media) you will have these notes to refer to.

The Fl Manual tell us we need to keep an activity log on each case. We in Indiana do this on each and every one. In 1993 it became a real lifesaver. On July 13th of that year there was a mini flap in NE Indiana that occurred within the period of one hour and involved 50 witnesses and 20 filed reports. The stack of paperwork was about 2" thick.

Final Report Checklist