Who should typically be interviewed last during an investigation?

In the context of an investigation, interviewing those likely to be hostile last is a strategic approach. Hostile individuals may be defensive or uncooperative, which can skew the dynamics of the investigation if interviewed earlier. By placing them at the end of the interview sequence, investigators can gather information from other sources first, helping to build context and gain insight into the situation. This information can then inform the approach to the hostile individual, allowing the investigator to better address any potential objections or concerns and to counteract bias that may arise from earlier interviews.

Additionally, conducting interviews with individuals who provide more extensive information first allows the investigator to establish a baseline of facts and perceptions surrounding the investigation. This background can give investigators a clearer understanding of the situation and help in formulating relevant questions for the more challenging conversations ahead. In this way, interviewing those likely to be hostile last can contribute to a more effective and thorough investigation.