Why is it important to interview witnesses as soon as possible?

Interviewing witnesses as soon as possible is critical primarily because their memories fade quickly. Human memory is not static and can deteriorate over time due to a variety of factors, including stress, interference from new information, and the natural erosion of detail. When witnesses recount an event shortly after it occurs, they are more likely to provide accurate and detailed accounts. As time passes, their recollections may become less reliable, leading to potential discrepancies that could impact the investigation. This fading memory effect underlines the necessity for prompt engagement with witnesses to capture their observations while they are still fresh.