Which of the following is a characteristic of a Criminal Investigator?

• A. Diplomatic
• B. Honest
• C. Impartial
• D. Suspicious

Answer: (D)

Professional skepticism is the mindset a criminal investigator must maintain. It means approaching information with a questioning attitude, looking for gaps, inconsistencies, and missing corroboration. This ensures evidence is validated and that statements aren’t taken at face value, which is essential for uncovering the truth when facts are incomplete or disputed.

Being suspicious best fits because it embodies that habit of mind—constantly questioning, seeking verification, and testing assumptions to prevent bias from shaping conclusions. While being diplomatic, honest, and impartial are important for ethical and fair conduct, they describe how an investigator should behave rather than the active investigative stance of verifying and challenging information.