Witnesses

Question 1

A witness who is reluctant to give information that will incriminate a friend should be advised of the possible consequences of their withholding information.

True or false?

Answer 1

False.

Question 2

A compliant witness in one who always provides good information to assist the investigation.

True or false?

Answer 2

False.

Question 3

When there are multiple witnesses to a serious incident/offence the investigator should.

Answer 3

Separate the witnesses, conduct a brief initial interview with each and gather witness details.

Question 4

If a special consideration witness refuses to be interviewed but is happy to talk informally about an event, you may still discuss the offence details with them and continue to question them to clarify information.

True or false

Answer 4

True

Question 5

You should not obtained a written statement from a witness or doubtful reliability as their statement will more than likely be inadmissible

True or false

Answer 5

False

Question 6

Care must be taken in police interaction with a witness because.

Answer 6

A witness’s needs and individual circumstances must be taken into account you an interviewer.

Question 7

When a witness refuses to talk with you or to be interviewed, then that is their right. You should make a notebook or job sheet record of their reasons for refusing and your opinion on why they refuse.

True or false?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

A special consideration witness may be described as “vulnerable”. “Vulnerable” means.

Answer 8

Susceptible, defenceless, in a weak position

Question 9

In general, should a n investigator regard a child or youth under the age of 18 years as a special consideration witness?

Answer 9

Yes, because their age and maturity level may mean they are vulnerable in an interview situation.

Question 10

In the engage and explain phase of an interview with a witness who is fearful or distressed about the consequences of a statement you should.

Answer 10

Consider their concerns, assess their reasons, discuss with your supervisor if a visually recorded interview is required.

Question 11

When planning an interview with a special consideration witness (vulnerable) witness the investigator should.

Answer 11

Consult a supervisor to make decisions about the interview.

Question 12

When you are interviewing a witness about a serious incident and the witness requires an interpreter then you should.

Answer 12

Use your interview notes to write the statement in English TRUE

Allow the interpreter unsupervised time with the witness FALSE

Discuss the aim and objectives of the interview with the interpreter TRUE

Visually record the interview TRUE

Avoid using an interpreter who knows the witness TRUE

Question 13

The role of an interview support person for a special consideration witness is to.

Answer 13

Ensure their well-being and support their understanding of what is happening.

Question 14

Should a person who is intoxicated at interview be treated as a special consideration witness.

Answer 14

Yes because their ability to give accurate information is affected.

Question 15

A special consideration witness is one who.

Answer 15

Is affected by the nature of the offence or has personal characteristics affecting their ability to communicate easily.

Question 16

If a witness becomes a suspect during an interview, then the interviewer should.

Answer 16

Caution, shift to procedures for interviewing suspects and ensure the interview is visually recorded.