Interrogate Witnesses
You can obtain a significant amount of infor-
mation from the witnesses. Start by interrogating
the person who initiated the report and the
people listed as witnesses. You may discover
other persons having relevant information when
questioning these people.
Don’t begin the inquiry by interrogating the
accused. The accused has the greatest motive for
lying or distorting the truth—if the accused is
guilty. Leave the interrogation of the accused
until last. Even when the accused has admitted
guilt, you should first collect all other evidence
collaborating the confession of the accused.
Request that witnesses who have relevant
information make a sworn statement. If you
interview a witness by telephone, write a summary
of the interview and certify it to be true.
Elicit all relevant information during your
interview of a witness. One method is to start with
a general survey question. Ask the witness to relate
everything he or she knows about the case. Then
follow-up with more specific questions. After
speaking with the witness, help the witness write
a statement that is thorough, relevant, orderly,
and clear. The substance of the statement must
consist of the witness’s thoughts, knowledge, or
beliefs about the accused. Limit your assistance
to helping the witness express himself or herself
accurately and effectively in writing.
Figure 2-5.-Suspect’s Rights Acknowledgment/Statement (Front).
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