True or False: Law enforcement officers should only seek statements from victims and witnesses in written form.

The statement that law enforcement officers should only seek statements from victims and witnesses in written form is false. In reality, while written statements can be valuable for documentation and legal processes, verbal statements are also crucial during investigations.

Obtaining statements in different formats can be essential due to various circumstances. For instance, some victims or witnesses may not be able to provide written statements due to literacy issues, trauma, or other factors. In such cases, verbal interactions allow officers to gather necessary details and build rapport while ensuring clarity of information. Additionally, verbal statements can be recorded in real-time, capturing the immediacy and context of the information that might be lost if delayed for a written response.

Furthermore, the nature of the interview and the relationship between the officer and the interviewee can dictate the most effective means of gathering statements. Therefore, law enforcement officers should utilize both written and verbal methods as appropriate to ensure thorough and accurate documentation of evidence.