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Careers: Police/Interviewing a Witness at a Crime Scene
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Question
If a murder is committed inside a person's home and the killer leaves a witness such as children or a roommate, where would the police interview the witness or witnesses who live in the same residence? Must they get everyone who was in the house at the time police arrived outside to avoid contaminating evidence or do they bring them to another room or . . .? Does the procedure differ in the winter (if they do have to interview them outside)?
Denise,
Are you one of the authors that I have helped? If so you might remember that I told you that there are no national standard or "SOP" as you might see on television. Every case is different and the way it is handled would be different than the one before it. Children could be interviewd at the station, in a police car, in another part of the house, outside, inside, at a neighbors house, etc, etc. Again there is no "set" way to interview people.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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