When recording statements, you should use direct quotes to reflect what was said. Which option supports this?

• A. Use direct quotes
• B. Paraphrase only
• C. Omit quotes
• D. Record only what is seen

Answer: (A)

Capturing the exact words spoken is essential to maintain accuracy and integrity in a statement. Using direct quotes reflects what was said verbatim, including the speaker’s exact phrasing, emphasis, pauses, and any idiosyncrasies. This fidelity matters for credibility, future review, and cross-examination, since it preserves the original meaning without the risk of misinterpretation that can come from paraphrase. Paraphrasing changes the content by restating it in your own words, which can alter nuance or emphasis; omitting quotes ignores the spoken component entirely and recording only what is seen misses the crucial verbal element. Because of these reasons, direct quotes best preserve the original statement.