What is one method an investigator should use while interviewing witnesses?

What is one method an investigator should use while interviewing witnesses?

• A. Be observant
• B. Interrupt frequently to clarify points
• C. Focus solely on written statements
• D. Limit interaction to yes or no questions

Answer: (A)

Being observant during witness interviews is crucial for investigators as it enables them to gather more information than just verbal responses. By paying attention to body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor, an investigator can pick up on cues that may indicate further details or emotions related to the testimony. This observation can help in understanding the context or verifying the consistency of the witness's statements. In contrast to this approach, interrupting frequently can disrupt the flow of a witness's narrative and may cause them to become anxious, leading to missed details. Solely focusing on written statements can limit the conversation and prevent the investigator from exploring the witness's perspective fully, which is often more insightful than what is captured in written form. Limiting questions to yes or no responses restricts the witness's ability to provide comprehensive information, which is essential in gathering all relevant facts and context surrounding an incident.

Being observant during witness interviews is crucial for investigators as it enables them to gather more information than just verbal responses. By paying attention to body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor, an investigator can pick up on cues that may indicate further details or emotions related to the testimony. This observation can help in understanding the context or verifying the consistency of the witness's statements.

In contrast to this approach, interrupting frequently can disrupt the flow of a witness's narrative and may cause them to become anxious, leading to missed details. Solely focusing on written statements can limit the conversation and prevent the investigator from exploring the witness's perspective fully, which is often more insightful than what is captured in written form. Limiting questions to yes or no responses restricts the witness's ability to provide comprehensive information, which is essential in gathering all relevant facts and context surrounding an incident.