An investigator must possess an __________ mind. Allowing either attitude to be involved in a case will result in a sloppy investigation, incorrect conclusions and unfairness to victims and suspects

• A. Open-minded
• B. Neutral
• C. Unbiased and Unprejudiced
• D. Closed-minded

Answer: (C)

Objectivity in investigations is essential. An investigator must pursue evidence without letting personal beliefs, emotions, or outside pressures shape how facts are interpreted. Being unbiased and unprejudiced means evaluating each piece of information on its merits and treating victims and suspects fairly, which helps avoid sloppy conclusions and unfair outcomes. While open-mindedness or neutrality can be helpful traits, they don’t by themselves guarantee true objectivity: open-mindedness can still coexist with hidden biases, and neutrality can imply withholding judgment rather than actively weighing the evidence. Being closed-minded is the opposite of what’s needed.