What is the effect of demonstrating empathy during interrogation according to the material?

• A. Hinders the process
• B. Improves credibility
• C. Has no effect
• D. It is required by policy

Answer: (B)

Demonstrating empathy during interrogation builds rapport with the person you’re interviewing. When you show genuine understanding and respect, defensiveness tends to drop and the other person is more likely to open up and share information. This respectful, trust-building approach also enhances how credible the interviewer appears; credibility is influenced by demeanor and fairness, and empathy signals that you’re listening, fair, and trustworthy. That combination often leads to more complete and accurate information being obtained, which is why empathy is seen as improving credibility. The other options don’t fit because empathy generally helps the process, isn’t neutral in effect, and isn’t simply a universal policy requirement.