1. Witness interviews

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Efficient witness interviews
Listen actively
Personalize the interview

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

8. 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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Non-Verbal behaviors

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.