What is a clarification interview?

• A. A cross-examination conducted to challenge the victim
• B. Intended to clarify, solidify, and eliminate inconsistencies in victim's report if there is no other way to obtain the information
• C. An informal discussion with no documentation
• D. A formal interview approved and conducted to clarify inconsistencies when necessary

Answer: (B)

A clarification interview is a targeted, purpose-driven conversation with a victim to resolve gaps or contradictions in their account. It is used to clarify, solidify, and eliminate inconsistencies when there isn’t another reliable way to obtain the needed information. The goal is to produce a coherent, accurate report that can be used in the investigation, while employing respectful, non-leading questioning and keeping proper documentation. This fits best because it directly describes both the intent (clarify and solidify the details) and the condition under which it is used (when other avenues to obtain the information aren’t available). The other options describe adversarial cross-examination, an informal discussion with no records, or a formal interview in a way that doesn’t capture the essential purpose and context of a clarification interview.