Witness Guide

Question 1

A lawyer can give a client legal advice, challenge question out to client and challenge manner in which question posed but cannot answer on behalf of their client or challenge the interviewer

Answer 1

True

Question 2

If offender refuses to leave cell, record failure to co-operate as you cannot interview unless obtained consent or agreement

Answer 2

True

Question 3

If suspect complains in interview, note on video and refer to Senior

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Conversation Management:

1. Initiate free report
2. Identify and expand suspect topics
3. Identify and expand investigative topics
4. Challenge

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Types of questions:

1. Closed (answered with yes or no)
2. Probing (seeks to clarify information)
3. Leading (influences answers)
4. Complex (covers several ideas)
5. Repeated (reiterated even though answer given)

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Establish ‘Ground Rules’:

• report everything (all they know, in detail)
• concentrate (focussed effort required, take their time)
• take control (they do all the talking, correct me if I’m wrong)

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Before asking for suspect account, explain events leading up to the interview

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Written Statement is recorded on Police Form II:WS

• Use their own words if slang etc.
• interviewer note show order of topics from free report so do not have to record witness narrative in chronological order they occurred

Answer 8

True