• Be informed about political conflicts or tensions in the area, between the local government and (minority) groups, or between these groups. • Be informed about and take into account the needs and expectations of victims or witnesses from minority groups in the local area. 51 With regard to determining the credibility of interviewees, the interviewer should, before or during an interview: • Assess the physical condition of the victim/witness and record any signs that could influence their credibility, such as signs of trauma, exhaustion, and alcohol or drug abuse. Keep in mind that poor physical condition, trauma, and exhaustion do not necessarily make an interviewee not credible. However, interviewing these individuals may require additional expertise, so refer to a professional wherever possible. If not possible, duly note what is causing distress, or is likely to be impacting the witness’ lucidity and coherence • Explore an interviewee’s religion, culture, customs and beliefs, in order to have a better understanding of any account given by them. • Pay attention to the language and allusions the interviewee makes, for example, to reward and punishment. • Where the interviewee has knowledge of an alleged victim or perpetrator, explore their relationship, and any places and events frequented by them that relate to the matter under investigation. 52 An interviewer may have reasons to be careful about the trustworthiness of a victim/witness if there are significant differences between the account given by the victim/witness during the interview and • what the victim/witness is reported to have said on a previous occasion. • the accounts of other victims/witnesses. • the injuries that the victim or the alleged perpetrator have. 51 Ministry of Justice, Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings, Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures, 46 (2011), available at http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/docs/best_evidence_in_criminal_proceedings.pdf. 52 Ministry of Justice, Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings, Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures, 46, 50 (2011). 47