When collecting witness statements, which practice helps prevent bias?

• A. Asking leading questions to guide memory.
• B. Recording statements after all evidence is destroyed.
• C. Avoiding leading questions to prevent bias.
• D. Filing statements without witness presence.

Answer: (C)

Avoiding leading questions to prevent bias is essential because guiding a witness’s memory can implant details or steer their account, making the statement less reliable. When you ask neutral, open-ended questions, the witness describes what they actually saw or heard in their own words, which preserves the accuracy of their account and reduces the influence of the interviewer’s expectations. For example, prompts like “What happened next?” or “Can you tell me what you observed?” invite a fuller, uncolored recounting, while avoiding yes/no traps and suggestions.

Other practices undermine reliability. Recording statements after evidence is destroyed eliminates a trustworthy record, and filing statements without the witness present risks inaccuracies and a lack of accountability. Keeping the interview neutral, allowing space for the witness to describe events, and documenting statements promptly and accurately together build a more impartial and credible account.