CFE – Investigation — Question 27

If an important witness becomes hostile and argumentative during an interview, the interviewer should generally:

Answer options

• A. Try to reason with the witness.
• B. Terminate the interview.
• C. Avoid reacting to the witness.
• D. Refute the witness’s arguments.

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is A, as trying to reason with the witness can help de-escalate the situation and encourage cooperation. Terminating the interview (B) may lead to missed information, while avoiding reaction (C) could be seen as disengagement, and refuting the witness’s arguments (D) might intensify hostility.