What should an officer do at the end of a one-on-one interview?

At the conclusion of a one-on-one interview, stating that the suspect may or may not be charged is a prudent course of action. This approach preserves the integrity of the investigation and provides a level of neutrality in communicating with the suspect. It ensures that the officer does not make any definitive statements about the potential outcomes while the investigation is still ongoing.

This response emphasizes the importance of not ruling out any legal consequences, thereby not violating the suspect’s rights or creating the impression that their cooperation guarantees leniency or a favorable outcome. By remaining non-committal about charges, the officer also maintains transparency about the unpredictable nature of the judicial process, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation without making misleading promises.

In contrast, the other choices involve implications that could mislead the suspect or jeopardize the investigation. Revealing the outcome of the investigation prematurely could compromise ongoing inquiries or create false expectations. Guaranteeing no arrest is inappropriate as it can mislead the suspect about their legal status and the potential results of the investigation. Encouraging further information might be constructive in some contexts, but it could also inadvertently lead to pressure that influences the suspect's statements or rights, particularly if the suspect is unaware of the potential consequences of additional disclosures.