Interviewing Techniques
The Interrogation Interview
Interviewing Techniques, The Interrogation Interview
Introduction
We are going to look at the use of interviewing techniques by those who investigate. As a result of interviews conducted after accidents and criminal offenses, the interviewer must be able to analyze witness statements in order to translate witness observations into facts and create logic from confusion. The interviewer must have an understanding of those factors that affect witness reporting. The gathering of witness information comprises about 50 percent of the investigating technique, the remaining 50 percent hinges on the ability of the interviewer to analyze and apply his or her knowledge to the sometimes seemingly unrelated observations of the witness. We shall see that even the most sincere of witness statements may not be reliable without corroborating evidence.
Listening
Since interviewing is a communication skill, some mention should be made of listening habits of the interviewer and some pitfalls one may face. Lets look at some poor listening habits and what we can do about them.
Faking attention should never be done. There are many reasons why a listener may fake attention to someone who is speaking. It may be the speaker's vocabulary, tone of voice, dress, or mannerisms. Faking attention can be overcome by tolerance and patience. By faking attention you may miss a vital detail of the accident or offense and the witness may not relate the information a second time.
Distractions should be avoided or minimized. This problem can be a pitfall for both you and the witness. If the interview is taking place at the scene it should be conducted at a place with the least number of distractions as possible. D ...