CFI Report Writing & Documentation 2

Question 1

Which tense should be used when documenting statements made by a subject during a forensic interview?

Accepted Answer

Past tense to reflect what was said during the interview

Answer

Past tense is used in forensic reports to accurately reflect statements and events as they occurred during the interview.

Question 2

A forensic interviewer notices a contradiction between a victim's verbal statement and their written account. How should this be documented?

Accepted Answer

Note both versions objectively and identify the discrepancy without interpretation

Answer

Contradictions must be documented objectively so investigators and courts can evaluate credibility without the interviewer's bias.

Question 3

What is the primary reason forensic interview reports should avoid using technical jargon or clinical terminology?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the report is understandable to judges, attorneys, and juries without specialized training

Answer

Forensic reports serve a legal audience that may not have clinical backgrounds, so plain language improves clarity and comprehension.

Question 4

When documenting a child's disclosure of abuse, which approach best reflects forensic best practices?

Accepted Answer

Use direct quotes from the child as much as possible

Answer

Direct quotes preserve the child's exact language, which is critical for assessing developmentally appropriate speech and authenticity.

Question 5

Which element is essential when documenting the chain of custody for interview recordings?

Accepted Answer

A log tracking who accessed, transferred, or stored the recording and when

Answer

Chain of custody documentation ensures the integrity of evidence by tracking every person who handled the recording from creation to court.

(CFI) Certified Forensic Interviewer Practice Test