1. The Interview Process
Chapter 2
2-1

2. The Movement for More Experienced Interviewers Began in the 1990s
One of the challenges is for the interviewer to control the events as much as possible, taking the time needed to do a thorough job while at the same time feeling at ease and comfortable with the process

3. Social Systems Theory Three Modern Themes:
Caring
Self-development
Postmodernism

4. Caring: Understanding the Interviewee Perspective
The event is:
From his or her point of view
Colored by past experiences
Influenced by physical and cognitive limitations

5. Caring The perspective of the interviewee impacts the interview
For example, was their last encounter with a police officer a negative one?

6. Self-development of the Interviewer
Encourages the interviewer to be constantly vigilant and self-aware

7. Characteristics of Self-development
Remain open to re-direction and change
Remain flexible during an interview, then objective observations are more readily apparent
Watch for the behavior indicators of deceit
Be sensitive to proximities
Cognizance of non-verbal behavior

8. Postmodernism
Police are often seen as a representative of a powerful organization of law and order
Can’t change how someone views you.
Many persons are in awe of this power, some are fearful of it.
The effect of their assessment can be negated or supported depending on the goals of the interview.
The postmodernist view suggests that all information is contextual.

9. Characteristics of Postmodernism
Police can’t change how someone views them
Many persons are in awe of this power, some are fearful of it
The effect of their assessment can be negated or supported depending on the goals of the interview
The postmodernist view suggests that all information is contextual

10. Phase I — Interview Preparation
Case Review
Gather information from all available sources

11. Determine the Prior Criminal Record
Determine if prior records exist for the perpetrator and all witnesses

12. Viewing the Scene
Personally view the scene whenever possible

13. Misinformation
Misinformation refers to internal and external sources of information that change the answers given by an interviewee
Make an effort in reducing misinformation

14. Contamination
One of the most common sources of eyewitness error is when witnesses’ memories become contaminated by new information!

15. Avoiding Contamination
Avoid the use of leading questions, those that suggest a possible answer
Do not use the same photos in subsequent lineups with the same witness

16. Phase II — Establishment of the Psychological Content
The interviewer must always be in control of these situations

17. Situations to be Controlled
Who should be interviewed?
Separate witnesses prior to questioning
When should the interview occur?
Deal with the objections to being interviewed
Where should the interview take place?
Privacy is paramount
When the interview is in the police station
The highest degree of control is possible

18. When Should the Interview Occur?
Influences on when to interview:
Physical and emotional needs of the witnesses
The nature of the offense
Special populations

19. Where Should the Interview Occur?
Convenience—At the scene for preliminary and offender information
For a desired effect—Intimidation is highest at the station and lowest in a private home
Due to available resources—Concerns over facilitated communication or documentation may dictate the best place of interview

20. When in the Police Station:
10’ X 12’ room – chairs at a 45° angle
Quiet and free of distractions
No windows and limited wall hangings
No electronic devices

21. Phase III — Actual Questioning
Identify potential distorters
Typically, an interview should be one-on-one

22. Potential Distorters Lack of sleep, illness, weather, and light
Location and distance from event
Pain, hunger, and distress
Emotions such as fear, anger, or worry

23. Recognize Enhancers Special interests
The five senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing

24. Interview Guidelines
If there is more than one interviewer, only one is the primary speaker
The victim is typically questioned prior to witnesses

25. Interview Guidelines Canvas the area for additional witnesses
If the suspect is on the scene and no one is placed in danger, interview the suspect prior to an arrest

26. Primary Types of Questions
Open-ended
Initial seeks a full, undirected narrative response
Clarifying seeks to complete or expand on information already provided

27. Primary Types of Questions
Closed-ended
Requires a yes or no or brief answer

28. The Narrative Expectations
When the person is being truthful the initial open-ended narrative should contain segments that are equal in importance

29. Parts of the Narrative What happened prior to the event
The event itself
What he or she did after the event

30. Secondary Question Types
Follow-up question
Can be open or closed, probes deeper
Example: Explain in detail what happened
Direct or forced choice
This is a closed-ended question or statement
Example: Was the baby still breathing when you dropped him?

31. Secondary Question Types
Control questions
Used to reestablish control
Example: This is not expected to be easy. Now, please take a deep breath and prepare yourself to answer
Leading questions
Avoid these except for intentional directing
Example: Your wife said that you left the house at 7 am

32. Secondary Question Types
Confrontational questions
Accusatory with a show of anger or disgust. This is meant to put the person being interviewed on edge, giving the interviewer the psychological advantage
Example: You stink!

33. Approach Options Oblique Formal Informal
Listen and ask only clarifying questions
Formal
Use maximum control of the interview
Informal
Non-adversarial and minimum control