What must be documented if an interviewee cannot sign a statement?

• A. The interview date.
• B. The reason why the person was unable to sign the statement must be noted.
• C. The interviewer's name only.
• D. The shift.

Answer: (B)

When an interviewee cannot sign a statement, the crucial element to document is the reason for the inability to sign. This note provides a clear, factual explanation for why the signature is missing and keeps the record honest and auditable. It helps prevent any assumption that the interviewee agreed to the content or that the document is incomplete for unknown reasons. The reason should be specific and objective—e.g., the person lacked literacy, there was a language barrier necessitating a translator, a cognitive or physical impairment prevented signing, or the person refused to sign after being informed. If applicable, mention who assisted (translator, witness, or another staff member) and the circumstances that led to the lack of signature. The important outcome is that there is an explicit, contemporaneous rationale tied to the missing signature, so supervisors and investigators can understand the record’s status. Other details like the interview date or the shift are still important for the file, but they do not address why the signature is absent.