When should witnesses be separated during an investigation?

Witnesses should be separated as soon as possible during an investigation to prevent them from influencing each other's accounts of events. This principle is rooted in the need for the integrity of witness testimony. If witnesses are allowed to interact, they might inadvertently or deliberately share information that could alter their individual recollections or perceptions of what happened.

By separating witnesses early on, investigators can minimize the risk of contamination in their testimonies, ensuring that each statement reflects the witness's own perspective and understanding of the incident. This practice supports the reliability and credibility of the statements collected, which is crucial for thorough and accurate investigation conclusions.

Separating witnesses after statements are taken, when evidence is collected, or at the end of the day would not support the goal of preserving the original and unaltered accounts that are vital for a fair investigation.