A suspect asserts their rights during interrogation and asks for an attorney; how does ethical problem-solving guide your response?

• A. Continue questioning to gather information.
• B. Respect the suspect’s right to counsel; cease questioning until counsel is present; explain rights and the policy, and document the exchange.
• C. Tell the suspect you cannot help them obtain counsel.
• D. End the interrogation and release the suspect.

Answer: (B)

When a suspect asserts their right to counsel, the ethical approach centers on honoring that right and following proper procedure. Pausing interrogation until counsel is present, while clearly explaining the suspect’s rights and the agency policy, and documenting the exchange, shows respect for constitutional protections and organizational standards. This approach helps ensure any later statements are voluntary and admissible, avoids coercive pressure, and creates an accountable, transparent record of what happened. Ignoring the request or pushing ahead with questioning risks violating rights and undermining trust and legality, and offering to help obtain counsel or prematurely ending the interrogation without proper steps also fails to meet ethical and legal expectations.