While writing in the newspaper office over the weekend, Jordan often keeps an ear on a live audio feed from the police station. While working, he hears about police responding to an accident at the county fair. The doors fell open while a ride was in motion and several people tumbled out. The ride operator hit the switch to shut the ride down, but then bolted. Some children were seriously injured. Many others watched it happen. Jordan rushes to the fair, ready to interview witnesses about what happened. When he arrives, he finds several children behind police tape, waiting to be interviewed. The police have a detective trained to interview children coming to meet with them individually.

Jordan asks if he can talk to the group of children while they wait. The police refuse—repeatedly. Eventually they tell him he can speak with some adult witnesses they have already interviewed about the ride and ride operator.

Think about what you know about eyewitness testimony and interviewing children. Explain why police won’t let Jordan talk to the children but will let him talk to adults they have already interviewed.