How should you document a witness interview?

• A. Note date/time, location, witness identity, summarize statements, record verbatim quotes when possible, and have the witness sign
• B. Record only the time and date
• C. Include personal opinions
• D. Skip signatures

Answer: (A)

Documentation of a witness interview should be complete and verifiable. The best practice is to record the date and time, location, and the witness’s identity, then present a clear summary of statements with verbatim quotes when possible, and obtain the witness’s signature to attest accuracy. Each element serves a purpose: the date, time, and location provide context and help place the interview in the investigation timeline; identifying the witness ensures who provided the information is known and can be consulted if needed; a summary captures the overall substance while verbatim quotes preserve exact language for credibility and precision. The witness’s signature confirms they reviewed the record and agree with what’s captured, adding accountability and protecting the integrity of the document.

Including only the date and time misses critical context; adding personal opinions contaminates the record with bias; and skipping signatures removes an important validation step that supports the document’s reliability.