Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of witness statements in incident investigations?

1. To establish a timeline of events

2. To provide additional perspectives and information

3. To assign blame to individuals

4. To create a public record of incidents

The correct answer is: To provide additional perspectives and information

The primary purpose of witness statements in incident investigations is to provide additional perspectives and information. Witness statements are crucial as they capture the observations and experiences of individuals who were present during the incident. This first-hand account can help investigators understand what transpired from multiple viewpoints, therefore enriching the context of the investigation. Understanding the different perspectives can help paint a more comprehensive picture of the event, which is vital when analyzing the circumstances surrounding an incident. It allows investigators to gather insights that might not be evident from the evidence or from an individual's perspective alone. While establishing a timeline of events is also important and contributes to the investigative process, the central role of witness statements lies in their ability to add depth and clarity to the information available. Assigning blame or creating a public record, while they may be outcomes of the investigation, are not the fundamental aims of collecting witness statements.