LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS
Be Professional Follow the Law – Don’t deviate You are in the spotlight Expect to be challenged You are in charge!
LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS cont … Personal safety Be aware of your surroundings Don’t take risks Never “Assume” anything Stick to the script
LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS cont… Note taking Gathering Evidence Disclosure
Notes can be anywhere
The role of the Investigator Unbiased gatherer of relevant information, working on behalf of the Complaints/Investigation Committee; Working on behalf of the regulator; Determine the facts; Identify the available information; Determine how to obtain it Must stay within the scope of the complaint! It is not your job to determine if the information is relevant
And now for the Interview…
Location is Key You as the interviewer set the location – Private – Comfortable for the parties – Properly equipped (audio / video if required) – No distractions or interruptions such as telephones or electronic devices – If you allow the subject to control the interview date and location, you allow them to control the interview!
Tips to a successful interview Establish rapport Listen actively… Encourage spontaneous recall Ask open-ended Q’s Pause after each response Avoid interrupting Request detailed descriptions Encourage intense concentration Encourage the use of imagery Adopt the subjects perspective Ask compatible questions
Focus on the facts not Personalities! Keep an open mind You are a professional Be non-judgemental Do not become their best friend Show respect Demonstrate care and interest Be calm and reasonable Never assume that the individual has the time to or wants to speak with you
Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present Cooperative relationship Encourage dialogue Safe environment Lawyer may restrict the dialogue You are in control
Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present Set out and explain the ground rules to the Lawyer Silent participant Police Facility – No entry
Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present cont… Record everything – In the room and on the way to the room Protect your integrity and the integrity of your investigation
Interview Notes vs Audio Recording Interview notesAudio recording Quick reference, often not detailed enough Allows for a detailed accurate record of the interview Open to criticism and interpretationEliminates any accusations of bias Need to provide opportunity for the party to review and verify
When to Caution Once you form the opinion that an offence has been committed and you are questioning the person as a suspect, you must caution the person. You can’t hide behind words Your job is not to “get around this” OK to stop, caution and start all over again
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Direction or Advice
DISCUSSION?
Contact Information Chris Buck – Senior Investigator Investigations and Hearings Department Ontario College of Teachers 101 Bloor Street West Toronto ON M5S 0A1 Canada (416) Ext. 406