Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Who should ideally be interviewed last in an investigation?

1. First responders

2. Those likely to be cooperative

3. Those likely to be hostile

4. Support staff

The correct answer is: Those likely to be hostile

In an investigation, it is ideal to interview those who may be hostile last for several important reasons. First, interviewing hostile individuals later in the process allows for a comprehensive understanding of the situation gained from earlier interviews. By the time the investigator speaks with potentially uncooperative or adversarial parties, they will have gathered pertinent information from others, which may help in reframing questions and addressing inconsistencies in narratives. Additionally, interviewing those likely to be hostile last can prevent them from influencing or altering the accounts of others who were interviewed beforehand. If hostile witnesses or subjects are interviewed too early, they may become defensive, potentially obstructing the investigation. By having already collected a robust amount of information from more cooperative parties, the investigator can better challenge or clarify statements made by people who might not be willing to cooperate fully. This strategic approach also helps establish a rapport with those interviewed earlier, which can be valuable when transitioning to interviewing more challenging individuals. Overall, this decision ultimately supports a more thorough and effective investigative process.