“It is better to know some of the questions
than to know all of the answers.” - James Thurber |
2- The question
The first step to discovering the truth in a criminal investigation is to ask the appropriate questions. A question has been defined as an expression of inquiry that invites or calls for a reply. The most common question posed in solving a crime is “Who did it?”
This question sets the investigative objective and basic direction for the exploratory journey to uncover the truth. Unanswered, the investigator may abandon the case for lack of that one crucial response. Some of the most successful and sensational movies, books and games thrive on the activities and imaginations generated by posing that question. James Thurber wisely reveals the essence to every successfully solved mystery: |
Indeed, it is the formulation of the most probative questions which reveals the absolute answer. Answers are only a meaningless laundry list of symbols unless they reveal the truth. Moreover, there can be no answers unless a question first preceded and fostered it. What is an answer without the question which first gives it substance, context and meaning?
The key to the truthful answer is the appropriate and fine-tuned question. Probative and truth-seeking questions are similar to the physician’s surgical tools used in conducting exploratory surgery to determine the latent cause of physical symptoms. They are the investigator’s tools to conduct the diagnostic examination of a perplexing crime. Consider the following responses to the “who dunnit” question: “who knows”’ “anyone!” “I don’t know,” “where do you start,” “your guess is as good as mine,” etc.
Obviously vague and universal, these replies are worthless in providing any direction to the investigation. Unfortunately, misguided questions will leave you staggering for direction; but more effective and diagnostic questions can lead the investigation to the heart of the matter. By focusing the question and identifying directed queries, we may eliminate the useless responses and our effort is doubled. This principle is well illustrated by a Danish proverb:
The key to the truthful answer is the appropriate and fine-tuned question. Probative and truth-seeking questions are similar to the physician’s surgical tools used in conducting exploratory surgery to determine the latent cause of physical symptoms. They are the investigator’s tools to conduct the diagnostic examination of a perplexing crime. Consider the following responses to the “who dunnit” question: “who knows”’ “anyone!” “I don’t know,” “where do you start,” “your guess is as good as mine,” etc.
Obviously vague and universal, these replies are worthless in providing any direction to the investigation. Unfortunately, misguided questions will leave you staggering for direction; but more effective and diagnostic questions can lead the investigation to the heart of the matter. By focusing the question and identifying directed queries, we may eliminate the useless responses and our effort is doubled. This principle is well illustrated by a Danish proverb:
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“Better to ask twice than lose your way once.”
- Danish Proverb |
“Measure twice, cut once.”
- Carpenter's Rule |
The exploratory instruments applied during the course of an effectively directed investigation are diagnostic questions. They will probe the jugular issues while unraveling the secrets. The timing and sequence of these questions should be strategically posed to surface the truth and determine the investigative direction.
These questions, like the corresponding answers, are interdependently connected to full disclosure in an investigation. A case will not be solved without the use of such examining instruments.
These questions, like the corresponding answers, are interdependently connected to full disclosure in an investigation. A case will not be solved without the use of such examining instruments.