18June06

Answering Investigator Questions, Comments from a Seasoned Investigator:

"Most 911 operators, and, later, investigators, are going to ask you , "Did you shoot him?' after you report a burglary and shooting on your pro perty.

Answering 'yes' or =80=98no=E2=80=99 are equally ill-advi sed. Not long ago, two of our uniformed officers confronted a robbery suspect in a crowded bar. The suspect reacted by shooting at both officers, at close range, with a 32ACP pistol. Our officers immediately returned fire, killing the suspect (or so we thought, as he went right down). Both officers later told investigators th at they were absolutely sure they had shot him, multiple times.

However, the autopsy revealed the suspect actually died from a single, self-inflicted, 32ACP gunshot wound to the head. Our investigation disclos ed that both officers had missed with all their shots! The suspect had actually committed suicide while our officers were shooting at him! Neither of our officers, nor any of the other witnesses, fully understood what had happene d.

So, the correct answer to, 'Did you shoot him?' is =80 I don't know,' even when you're sure you saw the suspect fall. He may have fainted, or collaps ed from a drug overdose, at the moment you fired. Someone else may have fired at the same instant you did. For that matter, you may only think you fired your gun. People have been mistaken about that too! When circumstances ge t exciting, you can't even rely on your own perceptions.

Thus, one of the most important things to practice (along with shooting skills) is POLITELY DECLINING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, with responses like, ' Officers, I've already asked for my lawyer. I don't want to answer any que stions until he is personally present' and/or 'I'm not feeling well . I need to go to a hospital. Please summon an ambulance for me'

Once damaging statements come out of your mouth, neither you nor your lawye r can stuff them back in!"

Comment: As President Lincoln said, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

/John