When dealing with suspects who may have severe mental disorders, investigators should seek what type of information?

• A. Corroborative information
• B. Direct admissions
• C. Alibis
• D. Confessions

Answer: (A)

When a suspect may have severe mental disorders, the reliability of their statements can be compromised by memory gaps, confusion, delusions, medication effects, or fluctuating cognition. In that context, investigators should prioritize corroborative information—data and evidence that can be independently verified rather than relying solely on the suspect’s account. Corroborative information includes objective records, surveillance footage, physical or forensic evidence, timelines that can be checked against other sources, and statements from independent witnesses. This approach helps establish what actually happened by cross-checking the story against observable facts, reducing the risk of accepting distorted or coerced admissions. Direct admissions or confessions can be unreliable under these conditions, and alibis still need independent verification to be trustworthy. Focusing on corroboration provides a more solid factual foundation and protects against errors that could arise from the suspect’s mental state.