How to Handle “I Don’t Remember” in Investigations: 10 Key Strategies

Encountering “I don’t remember” during investigations can be challenging. Whether it’s a genuine memory lapse or a tactic to evade tough questions, understanding the context is crucial. Here are ten effective strategies to navigate this common response:

1. Acknowledge Their Response: Validate their statement to foster a respectful dialogue.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage them to share more by asking broad questions, such as, “What do you remember about that day?”
3. Clarify Meaning: Directly inquire whether they genuinely don’t remember or if they’re suggesting the event didn’t happen.
4. Encourage Contextual Recall: Prompt them to think about related events or circumstances that might help jog their memory.
5. Utilize Silence: Allow for pauses after your questions; silence can encourage them to elaborate.
6. Follow Up on Specifics: If they recall other details, ask specific questions about those areas to uncover more information.
7. Probe for Evidence: Inquire if there are any documents or records that could help refresh their memory.
8. Encourage Visualization: Ask them to visualize the scenario to trigger memories associated with visual cues.
9. Assess Consistency: Consider how their recollections have changed over time and address any discrepancies gently.
10. Reiterate Your Purpose: Remind them that the goal is information gathering, not judgment, to reduce anxiety and promote honesty.

By applying these strategies, you can effectively navigate the complexities of memory recall in investigative interviews and gain deeper insights into the situation at hand.

Have you encountered “I don’t remember” in your investigations? What strategies have you found effective in these situations?