What is the primary purpose of a cognitive interview technique?

The primary purpose of a cognitive interview technique is to assist the victim or witness in recalling details more accurately and thoroughly about an event they experienced. This technique is based on psychological principles that aim to enhance memory retrieval. It encourages witnesses to report everything they remember, no matter how trivial it may seem, while also prompting them to recreate the emotional and environmental context of the event. This approach helps to improve the quality of the information provided, as it enables law enforcement to gather more comprehensive and reliable evidence, which is crucial in criminal investigations. By creating a supportive atmosphere and using open-ended questions, officers can facilitate better recollection of memories that might otherwise fade over time.