NCJ Number
99925
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 54 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1985) Pages: 9-14
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The foundation of "special care questioning" techniques is detailed.
Abstract
In cases involving children, the mentally impaired, emotionally traumatized victims, and normal adults whose original memories of a particular incident are just not clear, testimonial memories may pose problems. At one time, these categories of individuals were usually considered defective or untrustworthy as witnesses because they were more "suggestible" than other people. In concept and application, special care questioning respects and takes account of the vagaries of human memory and the effects of various styles of questioning. In comparison with forensic hypnosis it constitutes the best safeguard against damaging the veracity of testimony. Obtaining valid testimony is optimized when the techniques are used as soon as possible, when unwitting error production is minimized. The essence of special care questioning lies in the assessment and preparation of the subject. The initial preparation sessions allow the investigator to assess the style and idiosyncrasies of the subject. Special care questioning allows for the collection of a free narrative account without probing questions.