It is important for any organization to develop work tools for its staff. New investigators are unlikely to have significant experience in investigating human rights abuses. Members of NHRI s such as commissioners, no matter how competent, are equally unlikely to have this knowledge. Training will help, but developing standard tools, operating policies in manuals or similar tools is critical. Several NHRIs use standard forms and precedents in the case management process, but not all have clear, comprehensive and regularly updated manuals. Manuals are major under takings and should be seen as projects, once the case design and other basic working processes are in place.