What is the role of investigative interviewing?

• A. Gather information from witnesses and victims in a non-leading, non-coercive manner
• B. Interrogate suspects with leading questions
• C. Rely solely on physical evidence
• D. Conduct only a group interview with no individual statements

Answer: (B)

Investigative interviewing is about obtaining accurate information from witnesses and victims by using non-leading, non-coercive methods. By asking open-ended questions and letting people describe what they saw or experienced in their own words, you reduce the chance of unintentionally shaping their memories or responses. This approach helps build rapport, lowers anxiety or defensiveness, and increases the reliability of what is told. It also provides a solid foundation for corroborating statements with physical evidence and other sources later in the investigation. While physical evidence and other data are important, they do not replace the value of a well-conducted interview with witnesses or victims. Group interviews can overwhelm or intimidate individuals and may suppress details, whereas individual, non-coercive interviews tend to yield more detailed and reliable information.