Which strategy can officers use to identify potential witnesses to a crime?

Utilizing surveillance footage is a highly effective strategy for identifying potential witnesses to a crime because it can capture real-time events and interactions involving individuals at the scene. This method allows officers to observe not only the crime itself but also the presence of bystanders who may have witnessed the event unfolding. By reviewing this footage, officers can gain vital information about who was present, potentially leading to interviews with individuals who may have valuable insights or eyewitness accounts related to the incident.

In contrast, limiting discussions to suspects coaxes officers to overlook critical information that might be provided by non-suspect individuals who were present at the scene. Waiting for witnesses to come forward could result in lost opportunities for gathering evidence, as those who were present may forget details over time or choose not to report anything due to various reasons, such as fear or indifference. Ignoring bystanders during investigations disregards a wealth of potential information that could aid in understanding the crime and apprehending offenders. Therefore, checking surveillance footage stands out as a proactive approach to uncovering essential witness details that might otherwise remain unreported.