Evaluating the Witnesss State

The investigator needs to analyze the witness as well as his or her testimony during the course of the interview. He should consider and try to determine, by observation or direct questions, the witness state with respect to 

Delay between the time of occurrence of the accident and interview. People forget 50 percent to 80 percent of the detail in just a 24-hour period. 

Contact with principals in the accident. People who feel they have faults may give misleading information to witnesses, such information later being remembered as observation rather than hearsay. 

Contact with other witnesses with domineering personalities or perceived expertise that distorts the witness memory. 

Contact with news media or other investigators who induce inaccuracies through leading questions and alleged facts or opinions they present for substantiation. 

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