REVIEW TRANSCRIPT FOR ERRORS

   While objection to inaccuracies in the transcript is not normally a defect sufficiently serious to reverse the decision of the hearing officer on appeal, it is an objection, when coupled to other objections that may tip the fulcrum in your favor.

   The errors that you point out in the transcript should be shown not simply as errors, but as significant errors, showing prejudice on the part of the hearing officer, or an omission of important testimony.

   More rarely, omissions or major inaccuracies of the transcript are sufficient to overturn the lower officer's decision. Some few hearing officers have a tendency to edit out of the transcript testimony placing them in an unfavorable light.

   It is therefore important that the chairman should receive and review the transcript as early as possible so as to find the discrepancies while the investigation is still fresh in his mind, with the view of establishing the lack of fairness and impartiality.