NASA Procedures and Guidelines
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NPR 8621.1 Eff. Date: June 02, 2000 Cancellation Date: February 11, 2004	NASA Procedures and Guidelines for Mishap Reporting, Investigating, and Recordkeeping
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           a) Initial list probably provided
           b) One may lead to another
           c) Don't forget management/supervision
           d) Don't forget responders

2.        Get Familiar with the Scene and Witnesses ......................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Photographs
           b) Draw or get map of the scene
           c) Review prior written statements

3.        Interview Promptly .........................................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Evidence fragility
           b) Potential for contamination

4.        Establish Rapport with the Witness...................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Insure their understanding of your goals
           b) Do not interrogate the witness, and always be nonconfrontational. Don't intimidate witnesses.
           c) Put witness at ease first and stay on their level
           d) Carefully select location and interview methodology
           e) LISTEN!

5.        Get the Facts .................................................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Five "Why's"
           b) Avoid leading questions
           c) Don't refer to other witnesses
           d) Keep witness talking and be patient
           e) Keep on the subject
           f) Make sure you understand the witness answers (ask followup questions, ask the same question in a different way, etc.)
           g) Be persistent, but open-minded.
           h) Always be courteous and considerate to the interviewee.

6.        Adjust to the Types of Witnesses ....................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Injured witness (diplomacy)
           b) Timid witness (stress need for their help)
           c) Illiterate witness (avoid embarrassing them)
           d) Prejudiced witness (be sensitive to attitudes, carefully sift what they say)
           e) Talkative witness (stick to the facts)
           f) Suspicious witness (stress confidentiality and goals)
           g) Know-nothing witness (may have some information, do not dismiss too quickly)

7.        Record the Interview .....................................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Ask witness first
           b) For accuracy
           c) Know/practice how to use your equipment before the interview
           d) Make sure all the equipment is working and you have all consumables necessary

8.        Get Witness Agreement ................................................................................................................................................................................____

           a) Rephrase questions and repeat answers to insure you understand correctly, and they agree)
           b) Transcribe quickly and get witness agreement

9.         Reenact the Mishap If Appropriate ...............................................................................................................................................................____

            a) Important to understand exactly what happened
            b) Sizes, distances, movements can become clear
            c) Can use pictures, diagrams, or visit the scene
            d) Be careful not to repeat or accomplish an unsafe act

10.        Conclude ....................................................................................................................................................................................................____

             a) Sincerely thank the witness
             b) Advise them they may be called back
 

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