Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

In a criminal investigation, what is the purpose of a recorded recollection?

1. To provide hearsay evidence

2. To document witness testimonies

3. To summarize police reports

4. To track the timeline of events

The correct answer is: To document witness testimonies

The purpose of a recorded recollection is to document witness testimonies, allowing investigators to capture and preserve the statements made by witnesses at a specific time. This process is essential as it provides a reliable account of what a witness remembers regarding the events in question. Recorded recollections can be particularly valuable in criminal investigations when immediate witness statements can clarify details that may later be forgotten or altered over time. While other aspects of a criminal investigation, such as tracking the timeline of events or summarizing police reports, are important, they do not specifically align with the primary function of recorded recollections. Moreover, hearsay evidence generally refers to statements made outside the court that are used to prove the truth of the matter asserted, which is not the goal of recorded recollections. The focus is firmly on ensuring accurate and thorough documentation of eyewitness accounts, which can be crucial during trial proceedings or further investigations.