When an answer to a question is unknown, what should the officer say?

When an answer to a question is unknown, what should the officer say?

• A. I do not know or I do not remember
• B. I cannot answer
• C. I think so
• D. I refuse to answer

Answer: (A)

When you don’t know the answer, you should say you don’t know or you don’t remember. This keeps the testimony truthful and avoids guessing or stating something you’re not sure about. Saying “I don’t know” is clear when you have no knowledge of the fact, while “I don’t remember” is appropriate if you once knew it but cannot recall at the moment (and you may have an opportunity to refresh memory or check records). Why this is best: it preserves accuracy and credibility. Answering with “I think so” invites speculation and uncertainty, which can mislead the court. Saying “I refuse to answer” signals a deliberate withholding, which can imply obstruction. “I cannot answer” is vague and can be misinterpreted as a procedural or legal block rather than a simple lack of knowledge. The straightforward truthful response that you don’t know or don’t remember is the most reliable way to handle an unknown fact.

When you don’t know the answer, you should say you don’t know or you don’t remember. This keeps the testimony truthful and avoids guessing or stating something you’re not sure about. Saying “I don’t know” is clear when you have no knowledge of the fact, while “I don’t remember” is appropriate if you once knew it but cannot recall at the moment (and you may have an opportunity to refresh memory or check records).

Why this is best: it preserves accuracy and credibility. Answering with “I think so” invites speculation and uncertainty, which can mislead the court. Saying “I refuse to answer” signals a deliberate withholding, which can imply obstruction. “I cannot answer” is vague and can be misinterpreted as a procedural or legal block rather than a simple lack of knowledge. The straightforward truthful response that you don’t know or don’t remember is the most reliable way to handle an unknown fact.