Question

Write a narrative paragraph of at least 150 words in which you recount a detective’s interviewing a prospective witness in a matter involving a serious crime. Demonstrate correct use of these punctuation marks:

period

question mark

exclamation mark

semicolon

colon

comma

Answer 1

While conducting an interview with the witness, the detective should portray himself as empathetic at the same time professional. The information he is able to gather depends largely on his communication skills. He does not want to make his prospective witness uncomfortable or nervous, which can otherwise lead to the hampering of information that could have been helpful in solving the case. The interview should be held in private without any distractions such as cell phones or radios. Here, for instance, let's interview an 66 years old lady, Paula who is the neighbour of Mr Arnold who had been murdered. The witness is asked to remember every possible detail and re-create the whole scene. However, we see Paula might not be able to remember everything, so it is better we ask very specific questions. Carefully, circle around the key points.

Detective- Hello, Ma'am. I hope you know why you're here! I know it must be tough for you. We'd like you to know we're here to assist you. There's nothing to worry about.

Detective - Let's begin. Ma'am, we'd like you to remember everything within your capacity to help us solve the case.

Going in a chronological manner would prove to be helpful in making the witness comfortable.

Detective- Madam, what is your daily routine? When do you leave the house?

Paula - I do my daily chores and leave for my painting class at 10. Come home after 2 hours. In the evening around 4, I leave for my book club which is 15 blocks away from my house.

Detective - How often do you see Mr Arnold in a day? What kind of a person he was: reserved or outgoing?

Paula- In the morning, when I water my plants around 7, he usually takes his dog on a walk. He was a good chap; He was reserved.

Detective - Reserved, eh?!! How was your relationship with him? Also, can you tell us when did you last see him?

Paula - He was really helpful. We would chat every day. He called a plumber for me when I told him about my drainage problem. I cannot believe it happened to him.

Paula -I saw him at around 5:30 pm when I was returning from my book club. He was leaving his house with 2 other men.

Detective - Did you happen to take a look at their faces? What was their hair colour; were they tall or short?

Paula- I happened to catch a glimpse of one of the man. He was sleek looking with a chiselled jaw which black hair. The other one was stout.

Detective - Have you seen anyone of them before?

Paula - No! Arnold mostly conducted his meetings at his place. His home was also his workplace. I have never seen any of the two. Not that I kept a track of his guests.

Detective - Will you be to recognise him?

Paula - Maybe. Yes. Yes!