Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Should addresses of contacts be documented when no contact is made during a neighborhood canvass?

1. Yes, for record-keeping purposes

2. No, it is unnecessary

3. Only if the address seems suspicious

4. Yes, if the canvass time is unusual

The correct answer is: No, it is unnecessary

In the context of conducting a neighborhood canvass, documentation plays a critical role in ensuring thorough investigative practices. The correct approach would be to maintain a record of all addresses, even if contact is not made. This is based on the principle that thorough documentation, including instances where no contact occurs, helps establish a comprehensive understanding of neighborhood dynamics and can be useful for follow-up actions or inquiries. Documenting no contact can also assist in tracking which areas have been canvassed, allowing law enforcement to determine if further follow-up is needed later. It aids in building a complete picture of community interactions during the investigation, ensuring that all possible leads and information are accounted for. By neglecting to document these addresses, valuable information may be lost that could support investigations down the line. Therefore, keeping a record of all addresses, even without contact, aligns with best practices in criminal justice, ensuring that investigations remain organized and thorough.