California Private Investigator Practice Exam

If someone asks you to stop recording during an interrogation, what is the appropriate action?

1. Stop recording immediately and apologize

2. Continue recording and confront the individual

3. Turn the recorder off, continue the interrogation, and take notes

4. Contact law enforcement for assistance

The correct answer is: Turn the recorder off, continue the interrogation, and take notes

The appropriate action in this scenario is to turn the recorder off, continue the interrogation, and take notes. This approach respects the individual's request while allowing the interrogation to proceed in a manner that maintains the integrity of the information being gathered. By discontinuing the recording, you are demonstrating sensitivity to the interviewee's wishes, which can help build rapport and ensure the individual feels more comfortable during the interrogation. Continuing the interrogation without recording while taking notes allows you to capture important information and insights from the subject’s responses without violating their expressed wishes. This practice is especially relevant in contexts where consent and comfort play significant roles in effective interviewing techniques. This choice aligns with ethical guidelines and supports the maintenance of proper procedural conduct during an investigation where the rights and feelings of the individual being interrogated are considered paramount.