What should an investigative plan guard against?

The correct answer highlights the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of assumption-based conclusions during investigations. An investigative plan serves as a structured framework that guides law enforcement officers to collect evidence, interview relevant witnesses, and analyze facts in a systematic manner. By guarding against forming conclusions based solely on assumptions, investigators can ensure that their findings are based on tangible evidence rather than biases or preconceived notions. This helps maintain objectivity and enhances the integrity of the investigation, leading to more reliable outcomes.

In contrast, while gathering too many witnesses, recording evidence for extended periods, and arriving late to the scene can be factors that negatively impact an investigation, they do not address the critical issue of making premature conclusions. The emphasis on structuring an investigative plan primarily revolves around collecting and analyzing evidence without jumping to conclusions, thereby facilitating a thorough and accurate investigation.