What is the best tactic for keeping parties separate at a scene to interview them?

The best tactic for keeping parties separate at a scene to interview them involves positioning them back to back while maintaining visual contact with other officers. This method effectively reduces the chance of the individuals communicating with each other, which helps prevent collusion or the sharing of stories that could compromise the integrity of the interviews.

By positioning them back to back, each party remains within sight of law enforcement officers, allowing for ongoing supervision. This arrangement helps ensure that the officers can monitor the parties’ behavior and reactions without interference from one another, allowing for a clearer and more reliable account from each individual.

In contrast, the other tactics may lack the effectiveness required for maintaining separation. Having both parties sit down could lead to a scenario where they can still hear and influence each other. Placing one officer outside and another inside does not guarantee effective separation and may complicate communication. Finally, isolating individuals in separate buildings might not be feasible or safe in all scenarios and could lead to logistical challenges, especially in rapidly evolving situations. The selected tactic of positioning them back to back strikes a balance between maintaining a controlled environment and ensuring effective communication within law enforcement.