Which of the following is considered an objective of preliminary data collection?

Preliminary data collection plays a crucial role in any investigative process. One of its primary objectives is to locate relevant documents. This step is essential because documents can provide tangible evidence that supports or contradicts allegations of fraud. They offer insights into financial transactions, communications, and other pertinent information that can inform the direction of the investigation.

By securing relevant documents early on, investigators can develop a clearer understanding of the situation and establish a foundation for subsequent inquiries. This collection of documents might include emails, financial records, contracts, and other materials that hold potential evidence of fraudulent behavior.

Other objectives, such as establishing timelines or identifying witnesses, are important for the investigation but are secondary to the need for documentation, which acts as a critical source of proof in assessing the overall legitimacy of the claims being investigated. Hence, locating relevant documents is a fundamental objective of preliminary data collection.