Where should a witness be positioned during an interview?

Positioning a witness appropriately during an interview is crucial to ensure that the environment encourages open communication and minimizes discomfort. The correct choice of positioning the witness off to the side and slightly behind the suspect's peripheral vision helps maintain a sense of security for the witness. This setup allows the witness to observe the suspect's reactions without feeling directly confronted, which can facilitate a more relaxed and truthful revelation of information.

This positioning also allows for better observation of non-verbal cues from the suspect, as the witness can more easily read the situation without feeling under pressure. It helps prevent intimidation that could arise from a direct line of sight or positioning too close to the suspect.

In contrast, other positioning options might create circumstances that could hinder the interview process. For example, positioning the witness directly in front of the suspect could create an adversarial atmosphere, potentially leading to defensiveness or hostility, which would be counterproductive to gathering accurate information. Similarly, placing the witness slightly behind the interviewer may also limit their ability to fully engage with both the interviewer and the suspect, undermining the interview's effectiveness. Having the witness in the same line of sight as the interrogator could also lead to discomfort and inhibit honest dialogue. Thus, the selected approach helps to cultivate a more conducive