Final answer:
Officer Peters should use open-ended and neutral questions, like the five W (and one H) questions, to avoid leading the interviewee and elicit accurate, unbiased testimony. Observing body language is also crucial for assessing the trustworthiness of responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Officer Peters should rely on open-ended questions that are neutral and less leading to ensure that the interviewee provides information that is as accurate and unbiased as possible.
Examples of such questions include the five W (and one H) questions: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, and How?. These questions compel the interviewee to elaborate and provide detailed responses, rather than simply answering yes or no.
Additionally, Officer Peters should be cognizant of body language and nonverbal cues that might indicate the reliability of the testimony or suggest when the interviewee is most forthcoming.
Guidelines for constructing open-ended interview questions recommend avoiding suggestibility, which can lead to inaccurate testimony.
By adhering to this approach, Officer Peters reduces the risk of contaminating the interviewee's statement. Reflecting on the process post-interview can lead to insights into the effectiveness of the questions asked and the rapport established, which can help refine Officer Peters's technique for future interactions.