Appendix 5
Waiver Form Probe Questions
"Now I would like to ask you some questions:
Having heard everything the police said, would you sign the form? Why?
Why do you think another young person would/would not sign it?
Now I'd like to ask you some questions about this form:
a) When someone signs this form what do you think will happen?
When someone doesn't sign this form what do you think will happen?
b) Would you decide to call a lawyer now? Why?
What could a lawyer do for you in this situation?
Would you be able to speak to the lawyer in private before the police question you?
Could the lawyer be present while the police question you?
Would the lawyer be able to say anything?
c) Would you decide to call a parent or an adult relative? Why? Could they help you? How?
Would you be able to speak to them in private before the police question you?
Could they be present while the police question you?
Would they be able to say anything?
d) Would there be anyone other than a parent or a lawyer that you might like to call? Would you be able to?
e) If you decided that you weren't going to call anyone or have anyone with you, what would happen next?
f) What does the word 'waiver' mean as it is used on this form?
g) If the police asked you "Do you wish to make a statement?", what would that mean?
Copyright 1998, Karen L. Higgins-Biss