Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 229A.5A. Powers of investigative personnel before a petition is filed

1. The prosecuting attorney or attorney general is authorized upon the occurrence of a recent overt act, or upon receiving written notice pursuant to section 229A.3, or before the filing of a petition under this chapter, to subpoena and compel the attendance of witnesses, examine the witnesses under oath, and require the production of documentary evidence for inspection, reproduction, or copying. Except as otherwise provided by this section, the prosecuting attorney or attorney general shall have the same powers and limitations, subject to judicial oversight and enforcement, as provided by this chapter and by the Iowa rules of civil procedure. Any person compelled to appear under a demand for oral testimony under this section may be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel at the person's own expense.

2. The examination of all witnesses under this section shall be conducted by the prosecuting attorney or attorney general before an officer authorized to administer oaths under section 63A.1. The testimony shall be taken by a certified shorthand reporter or by a sound recording device and shall be transcribed or otherwise preserved in the same manner as provided for the preservation of depositions under the Iowa rules of civil procedure. The prosecuting attorney or attorney general may exclude from the examination all persons except the witness, witness's counsel, the officer before whom the testimony is to be taken, law enforcement officials, and a certified shorthand reporter. Prior to oral examination, the person shall be advised by the prosecuting attorney or attorney general of the person's right to refuse to answer any questions on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination. The examination shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the rules dealing with the taking of depositions.