In which stage of the investigation model are legal authorizations collected?

The collection of legal authorizations typically occurs during the Identification/Assessment stage of an investigation model. This stage is critical as it sets the groundwork for the entire investigative process by identifying the scope of the investigation and ensuring that all actions taken are within legal boundaries. Legal authorizations include warrants, subpoenas, or other necessary permits, which ensure that the evidence collected is admissible in court and that the rights of individuals involved are respected.

This foundational step is essential to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, making it possible for investigators to gather and utilize evidence effectively and ethically later in the process. By having the required legal authorizations in place, investigators can avoid potential legal pitfalls that might undermine their findings and efforts during the subsequent stages, such as Collection/Acquisition and Analysis.

In contrast, stages focused on Analysis or Reporting would not involve gathering legal permissions but rather dealing with the evidence already collected and summarizing findings, respectively. Thus, the correct understanding of where legal authorizations are gathered aligns with the initial steps of preparing for the investigation.