If coercive indicators are suspected, what is a recommended immediate step?

• A. Terminate the interview and end the investigation.
• B. Re-interview the individual, provide assurance, and collect corroborating evidence.
• C. Disregard the indicators and proceed.
• D. Only rely on the initial statement.

Answer: (B)

When coercive indicators are suspected, the immediate step is to re-interview the person, provide assurance that participation is voluntary and there will be no negative consequences for speaking, and collect corroborating evidence. This approach helps determine whether the initial statement was influenced by pressure and ensures the information provided is voluntary. Re-interviewing in a calm, non-threatening setting with open-ended questions reduces ongoing coercion and can yield a more reliable account. Gathering corroborating evidence from other sources strengthens the overall factual basis of the investigation and reduces reliance on a single potentially biased statement. Terminating the interview, disregarding the indicators, or relying only on the initial statement could allow coercion to taint the record and undermine the investigation’s integrity.