Witness interviews

Definition Witness- a person who sees and event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

Unbiased opinion; not a friend, relative, passenger in vehicle, etc. Definition Independent witness- a person seeing the incident who does not know any of the parties involved. Unbiased opinion; not a friend, relative, passenger in vehicle, etc.

Efficient witness interviews Review available information, facts of the case Conduct interview as soon as witness is physically & emotionally capable Find a place that minimizes distractions Have a way to record the interview- notepad/pen, voice recorder, video camera

Efficient witness interviews Separate witnesses Determine the nature of the witness before contact- criminal record, prior victimization, prior contact with law enforcement Develop rapport (a relationship) Let witness provide you with information, as opposed to answering direct questions

Efficient witness interviews Listen actively Personalize the interview

Worst Listening Habits of Officers Dismissing the person Criticizing subject’s appearance Listening only for facts Writing/Taking notes Faking attention Missing Freudian slips

Potential issues when conducting interviews: Interview Issues Potential issues when conducting interviews: Time constraint of witness Emotional state of witness Injuries requiring transport to medical facility

Audio recorded verbal interview Video recorded interview Methods/practices Audio recorded verbal interview Video recorded interview Written statement

Direct denial- “I didn’t do it.” Types of Lies Direct denial- “I didn’t do it.” Lie of Omission- most commonly used; leaving out details believing it’s “not really lying.” Lie of Fabrication- most difficult type to use; requires quick thinking & recall of the fabrication.

Types of Lies continued Lie of Minimization- suspect admits that something did happen but downplays the significance. Exaggeration- usually with resumes, tenure, knowledge, and/or salary; sometimes, an outright lie.

Non-Verbal behaviors

Verbal- words that are spoken; 1/10th of communication process Types of Language Language has 3 forms: Verbal- words that are spoken; 1/10th of communication process Paralanguage- tone, pitch, inflection, voice of speaker Body language- movements & expressions of the speaker; ½ of communication process

One of the most important indicators of deception. Eye-movement One of the most important indicators of deception. Most people are right-handed. Language area is left side of brain, creative side is right side. In lefties, it’s the opposite.

Reading eye-movement Based on previous slide: if a right-handed person answers a question truthfully, where will the eyes look? Up and to their left

Illustrators- Truthful people use illustrators with speaking. Other factors Posture- Truthful people sit up, use fluid motions, & use hands as illustrators. Untruthful people slouch, turn away from interviewer, use hands to “groom” or hide themselves. Illustrators- Truthful people use illustrators with speaking.

Exceptions- 5% of population Psychopath- person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior. Actor- a person who behaves in a way that is not genuine. How many actors do you know? Compulsive Liar- someone who lies out of habit; lying is their normal and reflexive way of responding to questions.