What type of questions should be prepared in advance when interviewing a complainant or witnesses?

Preparing open-ended questions when interviewing a complainant or witnesses is essential as they encourage detailed responses and provide the interviewee with the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words. This type of questioning is particularly useful in gathering comprehensive information about the incident in question, as it allows the interviewee to elaborate on their experiences and potentially reveal important details that may not have been anticipated by the interviewer.

Open-ended questions facilitate a conversational flow that can put the complainant or witness at ease, which is crucial for obtaining honest and thorough accounts. They help create an environment conducive to dialogue and exploration of the subject, rather than limiting the responses to succinct answers. This approach ensures that the interviewer can gather richer, more nuanced insights that may be crucial for understanding the context and circumstances surrounding the incident.

In contrast, other types of questions may restrict the depth and quality of information obtained. Questions requiring simple yes or no answers or multiple-choice formats limit the respondent's ability to elaborate and clarify their viewpoint, which is vital in interviewing scenarios where context and detail are key to understanding the situation fully.