Records Can Produce A Trail Of Information Which Is Generally Chronological In Naturewhen Conducting

Records can produce a trail of information which is generally chronological in nature. When conducting an investigation the investigator has federal, state, local, and commercial records and or databases available. Records are often more reliable than information obtained through an informant. What types of records can be used to identify the perpetrator according to your readings? Can any of these records reveal the perpetrators M.O. method of operation? Why would you rely or not rely on an informant and information that they may provide compared to other types of records?