POBITS enables the Investigator to collect interview/questionnaire information directly from a reference in electronic format. While this is efficient and expedient, it may not be the best method to solicit candid, in-depth responses from the interviewee. But POBITS is flexible and Investigators can and should apply their best judgment. Example: Let's say the Investigator conducts a short interview with one of the Candidate's references and there's a hint of reserve on the part of the interviewee. The Investigator asks the interviewee to complete the on-line questionnaire and there's no indication of any reservation on the part of the interviewee. At this time, the Investigator can follow up with the interviewee and can optionally begin another questionnaire in POBITS - this time to captures notes on a personal interview. POBITS knows the difference between a questionnaire completed by a party to the investigation and one completed by the Investigator. While each questionnaire asks the same questions, the Investigator is able to probe and follow up on the questions and may solicit other responses.

So the Investigator has choices. He/she can collect the electronic questionnaires and follow-up based on their own judgment or they conduct face-to-face (or telephone) interviews and complete a questionnaire themselves. Alternatively, you don't really need the questionnaire but you must document the interview in which case the Investigator should use the appropriate Investigator's Comments field related to a particular reference and document the interview as much as possible.

Bottom line: use POBITS however it works best for you. We believe that personal interviews will always provide the best investigative information. We don't intend for POBITS to eliminate the normal personal contact you should have with various parties to an investigation but it's ultimately up to the investigator to work at the appropriate level.