During the interview process, what should an Investigator avoid doing?

An investigator should avoid passing judgment on the interviewee during the interview process because making judgments can create a negative environment that hampers open communication. When an investigator expresses preconceived notions or biases about the interviewee, it may lead the interviewee to feel defensive or reluctant to share information. An interviewer who appears judgmental can disrupt the trust necessary for gathering accurate and comprehensive information.

By maintaining a neutral and respectful stance, the investigator encourages the interviewee to provide honest responses, ultimately leading to a more productive and informative interview. Remaining non-judgmental also aligns with the principles of effective interviewing, where understanding the interviewee's perspective is vital for gathering meaningful data.