Assignment:
-The Interview
Mr. Adams, not further identified, has called the police station and stated that he has information concerning an armed robbery of a convenience store. When he observed the robbery in progress, he was parked across the street using his cell phone. It is possible that he can provide a great deal of information or only a few details. Mr. Adams has agreed to come to the police station and relate the information he knows about the incident.
As a detective, you have many armed robberies to investigate, and it will be necessary to conduct a thorough interview of this potential witness. Do the following:
1. Prepare a list of at least 10 questions that you plan to ask Mr. Adams with some space between your questions to record his answers. During the interview, other questions might come up. Add these questions to the list also.
2. Describe how you would arrange the room in which the interview will be held to ensure that the witness is completely at ease and does not feel disturbed or intimidated.
3. Discuss what you would say to Mr. Adams prior to the interview to make him feel comfortable and ensure his full cooperation.
4. Discuss how you will ensure that the interview is thorough and that all information is collected.
5. Identify at least two questions pertaining to the crime that, though necessary, you would not ask Mr. Adams as these questions might scare him off. Explain what these questions are and how can they prove detrimental during witness interviewing.