If a statement cannot be corroborated, what should you do in the report?

• A. Include it as fact with no caveats.
• B. Note lack of corroboration and avoid presenting it as fact.
• C. Fabricate supporting details.
• D. Ignore lack of corroboration.

Answer: (B)

In report writing, you separate what you can verify from what you cannot confirm. When a statement cannot be corroborated, you should note the lack of corroboration and avoid presenting it as fact. This preserves accuracy and credibility; unverified statements can be unreliable and presenting them as fact could mislead readers or compromise the investigation. If possible, indicate what would be needed to corroborate—another witness, surveillance, records, or other independent evidence—and document that those avenues were pursued. Fabricating details or ignoring the lack of corroboration would undermine ethics and the integrity of the report.