What should an investigation ISO remove to ensure credibility?

To ensure credibility in an investigation, it is crucial to remove all real and perceived conflicts of interest. This step helps maintain the integrity of the investigation process, as the presence of any conflict could bias findings or influence decisions. By addressing conflicts of interest, the investigator establishes a foundation of trustworthiness and impartiality, which is essential for the acceptance of the investigation's conclusions by all stakeholders involved.

On the other hand, while personal opinions, anecdotal evidence, and verbal testimonies may also be scrutinized during investigations, they do not inherently compromise the overall credibility as conflicts of interest do. Personal opinions can sometimes play a role in forming hypotheses or understanding perspectives, and anecdotal evidence or verbal testimonies can provide useful context or support but must be evaluated critically within the larger framework of factual evidence.