What process involves gathering information from family members during an investigation?

The process of gathering information from family members during an investigation is called an interview. This technique allows investigators to directly engage with the family, asking them questions to elicit pertinent information regarding the deceased, the circumstances surrounding the death, and any potential concerns or insights they may have. Interviews are a critical component of investigations in various fields, including medical death investigations, because they provide context and personal narratives that can greatly assist in understanding the situation and creating a complete picture of the events leading up to the death.

Unlike observation, which relies on watching and noting physical evidence or behaviors without direct communication, interviews facilitate a two-way exchange of information. Assessment typically involves evaluating the information gathered rather than obtaining it, and reporting is the act of documenting the findings after the investigation has taken place. Thus, the interview process stands out as a vital mechanism for collecting firsthand accounts and vital information from those closely connected to the deceased.