Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What should an officer do if they notice a witness becomes evasive during questioning?

1. Change the topic

2. Press harder for answers

3. Ask for clarification

4. Take a break in the interview

The correct answer is: Ask for clarification

When a witness becomes evasive during questioning, asking for clarification is a constructive approach for several reasons. It helps the officer to understand the specific areas of confusion or hesitation that may be causing the witness to avoid answering questions directly. This technique allows the officer to create a more open dialogue, demonstrating that they value the witness’s perspective and are interested in obtaining accurate information. Asking for clarification can help build rapport, making the witness feel more comfortable and potentially more willing to share information. It can also provide an opportunity for the officer to rephrase questions or approach the subject from a different angle, which might yield more insightful responses. This method respects the witness's feelings and can improve the overall quality of the information gathered during the interrogation process. In contrast, changing the topic may lead to the loss of pertinent information the officer is seeking, while pressing harder can increase tension and reinforce evasiveness. Taking a break could be useful in some contexts, but it might interrupt the flow of the interview and reduce momentum, which is often not ideal when trying to gather information swiftly.