Which statement is a common mistake in information gathering?

• A. Vic should NEVER be treated as a suspect.
• B. Vic should NEVER be treated as a crime scene.
• C. Vic should be treated with respect but not as a crime scene.
• D. The victim's privacy should be ignored.

Answer: (A)

Open-minded information gathering is essential in investigations. A common pitfall is ruling out someone as a suspect from the outset and never considering them in the inquiry. This shuts down lines of inquiry, so important details about their actions, timelines, or possible involvement may be missed, and the evidence base remains incomplete. In practice, investigators gather and evaluate information about all plausible leads and sources neutrally, updating conclusions only as evidence dictates. While treating people with respect and protecting privacy are important, excluding someone from consideration as a potential suspect is the kind of shortcut that undermines thoroughness. The other statements either describe illogical framing or reflect ethical, appropriate conduct, not the typical information-gathering trap.