Types of Interviews in Criminal Investigations

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary purpose of an interview in a criminal investigation?

To accuse a person of interest

To obtain evidence for prosecution (correct)

To determine if an offense has been committed

To identify the suspect

Which of the following is an appropriate way to record a statement during an interview?

Only written

Only videotaped

Only audio taped

In writing, audio taped, or videotaped (correct)

Who should not be present in the room during an interview?

A child with a parent

A witness needing a translator

An officer needing backup

Both individuals involved in the same situation (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a class of persons interviewed in a criminal investigation?

Judges Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a subject has relevant knowledge of the case during an interview?

Take a statement Signup and view all the answers

What does CW and PW stand for in a crown brief?

Civilian Witness and Police Witness Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness be hesitant to cooperate?

The witness may want to protect a known suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of electronically recording statements?

It removes doubt of police misconduct in obtaining a statement Signup and view all the answers

When should statements be recorded according to the guidelines presented?

Whenever there is a high probability that the victim or witness could recant Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness disclose their knowledge incrementally?

Until they gain more trust of the investigator Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness motivated by revenge be problematic?

They present false facts to mislead Signup and view all the answers

In what situations should a child victim or witness have their statements recorded?

If they are too young to provide sworn evidence at trial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between an interview and an interrogation?

An interview is non-accusatory and focuses on information gathering, while an interrogation is accusatory and focuses on establishing culpability Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is responsible for storing information for a long period of time?

Long-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a leading question?

Was the car that you saw, a black one? Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the interviewer in the '90-10' rule?

The interviewer should talk no more than 10% of the time during an interview Signup and view all the answers

Which memory type is responsible for learning a skill or task through repetition?

Procedural memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects memory retention?

Use of open-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the P.E.A.C.E. Model used in investigative interviews?

To plan and prepare for the interview, engage and explain to the witness, account for their statements, clarify and challenge, and evaluate their responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of privacy when interviewing sexual assault victims?

It ensures the victim feels secure and comfortable during the interview Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory lasts only for a few minutes and has the capacity to store only between 6-8 items?

Short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of voluntariness in the context of interviews and interrogations?

Voluntariness must be proven in an interrogation, but not in an interview Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a subject refuses to participate in an audio or videotaped interview?

The interviewer must proceed without audio or videotape Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is responsible for the recall of an event by a witness?

Episodic memory Signup and view all the answers

What should be done during the clarification phase of an interview?

The subject's account should be expanded upon to include additional details Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask questions about criminal liability even if the subject is not cautioned?

To obtain new information that may be critical to the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done at the end of an interview?

The subject should be asked if they have anything else to add Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when no more information is likely to be obtained in an interview?

The interview should be ended immediately Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a subject's account is known to be inconsistent with previously known information?

The subject should be given the opportunity to explain the inconsistency Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a witness has been previously interviewed?

Their previous statement should be reviewed before the interview Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure consistency where multiple witnesses are involved?

Each witness should be given copies of a prepared diagram Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a subject provides a first account that is incomplete or edited?

The subject should be asked to expand upon their account Signup and view all the answers