CFI Interview & Interrogation Techniques 3

Question 1

Which type of question should be AVOIDED at the start of an investigative interview to prevent anchoring the witness's memory?

Accepted Answer

Leading questions

Answer

Leading questions suggest a particular answer and can contaminate witness memory, especially early in an interview before the free narrative is established.

Question 2

During the cognitive interview technique, the 'mental reinstatement of context' instruction asks the interviewee to:

Accepted Answer

Mentally recreate the environmental and emotional context of the event

Answer

Mental reinstatement asks witnesses to mentally place themselves back at the scene, recalling the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions to enhance memory retrieval.

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'point of no return' in the Reid Technique of interrogation?

Accepted Answer

The point at which the investigator believes the suspect cannot recant their admission

Answer

The 'point of no return' refers to when the suspect has made a damaging admission that is difficult to retract, used as a psychological milestone in the Reid approach.

Question 4

A fire investigator is interviewing an elderly witness who appears confused about the sequence of events. The BEST approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Use short, simple questions and allow extra time for responses

Answer

Elderly witnesses may need additional time and simplified questions due to cognitive processing differences, but their testimony can still be valuable with appropriate accommodations.

Question 5

In the context of fire investigation interviews, what is 'corroboration'?

Accepted Answer

Evidence or testimony that supports and confirms other evidence or statements

Answer

Corroboration refers to independent evidence or statements that confirm and strengthen the reliability of other evidence obtained in the investigation.

(CFI) Certified Fire Investigator Practice Test

(CFI) Certified Fire Investigator Practice Test

CFI Interview & Interrogation Techniques 3