Witness or victim interview

Consider the following guidelines when interviewing a witness or victim:

		Your approach
		What to ask

Your approach (Witness or victim interview)

1. Separate the witnesses and victims.
2. Set up a private interview space.
3. Record the interview accurately.
• Consider using videotape or audio tape.
4. Identify yourself to the witness or victim.
5. Use open-ended questions; avoid leading questions.
6. Use the witness' or victim's own words when asking subsequent questions.
7. Be patient.
   • Allow time for the witness or victim to express emotion.
   • Allow time to get all the details.
8. Confirm each answer at the end of the interview.

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What to ask (Witness or victim interview)

1. Record the personal details of the witness or victim:
   • name,address, telephone number
   • employer, address, telephone number
   • name and telephone number of a friend or family member
2. Ask the following:
   • what happened (did a crime occur)
   • who did it (describe the suspect)
   • when it happened
   • where it happened
   • why it happened (except in the case of abuse)
   • how it happened
3. Record the information in your notebook or on an interview form.

See also Notetaking

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