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41J-Interviewing Victims and Witnesses <br /> <br /> <br />Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 7 <br />It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department that: <br /> <br /> Officers shall attempt to identify and interview all witnesses and victims of <br />crimes, and <br /> Officers shall obtain a complete and accurate record of the witness or victim’s <br />statement. <br /> PROCEDURE <br /> A. Definitions <br /> <br />1. Victim: Any person, business or entity of any kind that suffers direct or <br />threatened physical, emotional, financial harm or property damage as the <br />result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime. <br /> <br />2. Victim-Witness Advocate: An individual that works closely with <br />prosecutors in ensuring that a victim or witness is provided with the <br />necessary and essential services. <br /> <br />3. Witness: Any person who observed, heard or learned of information <br />about an incident that may be investigated by the police. <br /> <br />B. Conducting the Interview <br /> <br />1. Immediately identify yourself or show your credentials (badge or <br />identification) if not in uniform. <br /> <br />2. Interview witnesses and victims as soon as possible after the incident <br />under investigation. <br /> <br />3. Interview each witness/victim separately, if possible, to ensure <br />independent statements. <br /> <br />4. Record the date, time and location of each interview. <br /> <br />5. Obtain an interpreter if needed. <br /> <br />6. Establish a cooperative relationship with the witness/victim. <br /> <br />7. Consider and document the physical and emotional state of the <br />witness/victim <br />. <br /> 8. Obtain a full description of the incident. <br /> <br />9. Take notes or tape record the interview. <br /> <br />a. If notes are taken, it should be accomplished in a manner that <br />does not interrupt the interviewing process. Some interviewees