What questioning technique should an Investigator employ when interrogating a witness?

The best approach for an investigator when interrogating a witness involves a combination of various techniques, which is why choosing the option that encompasses all of them is appropriate. This holistic method allows the investigator to adapt their strategy based on the flow of the conversation and the witness's responses.

Asking open-ended questions is effective because it encourages the witness to provide detailed accounts and share their perspectives without being constrained to simple yes or no answers. This can lead to more informative responses and potentially unveil details that the investigator wasn't initially aware of.

Utilizing silence strategically can also be a powerful tool. Pausing after a question often compels witnesses to fill the silence, sometimes leading them to divulge additional information or clarify their statements.

Rephrasing questions frequently helps to maintain the witness's engagement and can clarify misunderstandings or elicit different responses. It may reveal inconsistencies or encourage the witness to reflect further on their initial answers.

By employing a mix of these techniques, the investigator can create a more dynamic and effective interviewing environment, ultimately leading to better information gathering. This understanding of integrating multiple strategies is key in the investigative process.