What is the proper procedure when a civilian witness has limited memory in a 400-series incident?

• A. Rely on the witness to recall all details.
• B. Record what is known, note uncertainty, and seek corroborating details or follow-up.
• C. Discard the incomplete statements and proceed with other evidence.
• D. Interview must be completed immediately without follow-up.

Answer: (B)

When a civilian witness has limited memory in a 400-series incident, the proper approach is to record what is known, note any uncertainty, and actively seek corroborating details or arrange a follow-up. This method preserves the accuracy of what the witness can reliably provide while clearly marking gaps that need verification. Memory can be unreliable or fade over time, so documenting known facts keeps the record honest and gives investigators a clear path to fill in missing pieces—through additional interviews, checking for other witnesses, reviewing video or physical evidence, and scheduling follow-ups while information is still fresh.

Relying on the witness to recall all details isn't effective when memory is limited, because important elements may be missing or distorted. Discarding incomplete statements and moving on wastes potentially useful information and can leave gaps in the investigation. Completing an interview immediately without follow-up ignores the reality that memory and details often improve or surface with time and additional corroboration, so follow-up is essential to build a reliable account.