Expanding the Interview for Details

During the interview, the investigator should introduce control questions to ensure the accuracy of statistical data as well as permit subsequent evaluation of the reliability of information supplied by the witness. The control questions should include 

Environment weather, lighting, temperature, noise, distractions, concealments. Include pre-contact, contact, and post-contact time periods by specific questions. 

Positions of people, equipment, material, and their relationships to pre-contact, contact, and post-contact events. Include the position of the witness being interviewed. 

Other witnesses, known as well as those unidentified by name, and their positions. 

If anything was moved, repositioned, turned off or on, or taken from the scene (including the injured) during pre-contact, contact, and post-contact phases. 

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Have the witness describe the incident in his or her own terms Avoid interrupting the witness during the statement Expand the interview for detail Ask the developed open-ended questions Space the control questions throughout this portion of the interview... 

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