Foundations of Credibility in Investigations

Credibility is the degree to which you can rely on a statement or witness. In investigations, credibility is not a binary attribute; it exists on a spectrum influenced by memory, perception, and honesty. Evaluators weigh credibility with objective evidence and context. Remember: a statement may be persuasive without being accurate, and accurate statements may be partial or mistaken.

Key factors influencing credibility

• Source reliability and independence
• Memory accuracy and recall
• Consistency within and across statements
• Documentation of statements and timelines
• Emotional state, stress, or fear
• Potential biases or conflicts of interest

To assess credibility, use a structured approach that records impressions without prematurely discounting or elevating statements.