Close Attention To The Interview Subject example essay topic

The Aspects of Interview and Interrogation There are many aspects that make up a successful interview or interrogation. An investigator does not become a skilled interviewer or interrogator over night. Training and experience are vital to becoming skilled at interviewing and interrogation. Experience is the best teacher, conducting interviews and interrogations is the only way to become more skilled.

In this paper I will explain all the aspects that make up a successful interview. I will also explain the difference between an interview and an interrogation. The goal of almost any interview is to collect testimonial evidence. Successful interviews just don't happen.

There are many aspects and steps that lead the way to a successful interview. Planning before conducting an interview is the first step, but before planning all interviewers must understand the basic needs of all interviewees. All humans share the same needs. An investigator must understand these basic human needs if they wish to become a successful interviewer. The basic human needs that all humans share are, control, belonging, and intimacy. Control is considered the need for security; everyone wants to be able to control their environment and what is happening around them.

Belonging is the need for social recognition and approval. Intimacy is the need for love and affection, everyone wants to be loved or feel important to other people. These human needs must be incorporated in every interview and interrogation. Incorporating these needs is an important first step or first aspect to be considered by an investigator. Building up these human needs builds up the self-image and esteem on the interviewee. It is essential to build and maintain self worth of the interviewee, no one likes to feel humiliated or excluded.

If these needs are understood and met the chances of having a successful interview are much greater. Having a positive attitude about everything you do is important. The same thing can be said for interviewing. Having a positive attitude going into an interview will have a positive effect on the outcome of the interview. A positive attitude is reflected to the interviewee and makes them more comfortable. No one wants to talk to someone who is negative.

A positive attitude can impact the interview more that any other factor. Understanding human needs and the importance of having a positive attitude are important things to have in mind before interviewing someone, the next thing to consider is where the interview should take place. In order to get the most out of an interview it must take place in a proper environment. The best environment for and interview is a location where there are no distractions for the interviewee, sometimes this is not possible however.

It is always best the interviewee is not distracted so that they thought process is not disrupted. The worst thing that can happen during an interview is when it is interrupted when vital information in being gained or even worse a confession. That's why it is important to conduct in interview in a proper environment such as a small room with no windows, clocks, TV's, radios, ect. Privacy is the most important element when choosing a place to conduct an interview. Private environments like this enable the interviewer to get the most clear and precise information without distractions and interruptions.

Sometimes however due to circumstances it is not possible to perform an interview in a perfect distraction free environment, it is then up the investigator to decide if they should conduct the interview at a different time and location. Personal space is also a factor that should be considered while interviewing. Most people feel most comfortable talking to someone at a distance of a foot and a half to four feet. Trying to communicate with someone beyond this personal space boundary could negatively affect the communication in the interview. The personal space boundary is different for everyone especially for people of different cultures and societies. Recognizing this boundary and it's affect on communication will help any investigator become a better interviewer.

After thinking and understanding the needs and the feelings of the interviewee the next step is to decide how you want to interview the interviewee. Having a game plan going into an interview will greatly affect the success of the interview. The first thing an investigator should do when planning a interview is review the facts of the incident. This will tell the investigator who is evolved and will also serve as a basis for the interview plan.

Getting a background check on an interviewee will also help with the plan. Once information is obtained on the interview subject an investigator could now choose an interview method such as the Reid technique. Methods such as the Reid technique are designed specifically to get detailed information base on an outline and specific questions. Interview techniques such as Reid are very successful and are used by many investigators. An interview technique is especially helpful for investigators without that much experience. Right before starting an interview the investigator should take some time to get into the right mind set.

It is important not to have any preconceived feelings of guilt going into an interview. Having an open mind is important so that no conclusions are drawn with out all the evidence and data. An investigators job is to get the truth, making a preconceived notion about something could skew the actual interview. The next step or aspect of the interview is that actual interview itself.

Remembering the human needs is important in this first step on the actual interview. Building rapport is the most important part of the interview, without it nothing may be accomplished. Investigator can be intimidating to some people; also to some they are seen as enemy number one. Building a strong rapport can eliminate feelings of fear and resentment by the interview subject. Building rapport builds trust between the investigator and the interviewee. Building rapport can be simple as taking the time to say hell and something thoughtful or it may be as complicated as getting to know someone.

On way to build rapport is to take interest in the subject you are interviewing. Showing that you are interested in the subject makes them feel important. Another way to show rapport is to show empathy for someone. Showing that you understand their feelings and that you know how it feels to be in the situation they are in builds acceptance. Active listening is also used to build rapport. Paying close attention to the subjects comments shows that you care.

While active listing using brief assertions should also be used to lead on the subject. Using active listening, empathy, and understanding shows that you respect the interview subject. Building rapport is essential a skilled interviewer always takes time to build rapport with the subject. Making sure to build rapport should be the first thing an investigator does when coming in contact with the interviewee. Rapport takes a fact finding conversation and turns it into a personalized conversation.

Rapport helps the subject feel more comfortable talking about sensitive issues and information. Once rapport is established the next step is obtain the truth or the information that is desired. In this step it is important to be polite no matter who, or what is being discussed. Obtaining just the facts is the goal. In this situation the investigator needs to keep the interview on the right track, the conversation should only be relevant to the incident and the information that is needed.

The investigator should also listen very carefully and look for the elements in the crime. Note taking is important, but when taking notes the investigator should not take his eyes off the interview subject. Body language and facial expressions combine for 60% of communication. Only 10% of human communication is expressed through the spoken word.

If the investigator is taking notes and not paying close attention to the interview subject they may miss something that is transferred through body language and facial expressions. Another thing to remember while interviewing is to make sure your give the subject plenty of time after asking them a question. If they don't respond right away do not interrupt their thought process. Let the interview subject think about every question and respond to it. Asking the right questions can be difficult during the interview.

It is important to choose words with care. Legal terms should be avoided; misuse of words can make subjects defensive. Properly worded questions can encourage the subject to cooperate. Vague questions should not be used; they give the subject a change to get away from the desired goal of the question. Specific questions should be used to get the facts. Some other things to remember about the questions presentation are to not give an impression you have taken a side in the investigation, and also do not ask questions in a cocky, sarcastic, or demeaning manner.

Two different types of questions are usually used in an interview. These questions are called open ended or close ended questions. Open ended questions start with who, what, where, when, how, or why. They accomplish several goals.

Open ended questions discover the subject's needs and direction. They determine the subject's frame of reference and viewpoints. Open ended questions are very good at allowing the subject to express their feelings and reveal facts without feeling threatened. They also promote catharsis, or express the subject's emotions. Last but not least open ended questions also establish empathy, understanding, and rapport. Closed ended questions are more specific than open ended questions.

They produce more detailed and limit the answer to being specific. Yes and no questions and multiple choice questions are considered types of closed questions. Closed questions are used when an interviewee wants maximum control in the interview. They are very good at gaining elicit information.

Closed questions should be used carefully and only after good rapport is established with the interview subject. Closed questions can have a tendency to make people feel uncomfortable especially when talking about sensitive issues. Another type of question that is used during an interview is called a reflective question. Reflective questions reflect on the previous question or comment. They are used to clarify the subject's responses.

Another important type of question to remember when interviewing a subject is called a leading question. Leading questions assume something. Leading questions lead the interview subject towards an answer. Leading questions are not usually recommended in an interview because they persuade the subject toward a specific answer.

Some leading questions may not hold up in court; however they do have some use in interviews. Choosing the right questions is important to success of any interview session. It is important to remember to use open ended and close ended questions at the right times. Remember to ask the tough questions and pursue unanswered ones, and always assume that there is more information available.

An interview can be a stressful time for the subject. During the interview the subject may for get to talk about important information. The next step in the interview process is to close or conclude the interview. After reviewing the information obtained during questioning an investigator can determine what to do next. Depending on the situation the next step may be to call out the subject if you think they are guilty. If the interview is to obtain information about a suspect then the investigator should make sure nothing has been left out and end the session with good rapport.

When this is the case the investigator should tell the interview subject to contact them at anytime if they remember something they have left out. Another interview can also be scheduled if new information is obtained. Often times during the interview the subject if they are responsible for a crime will confess to doing it. As an investigator it is important to recognize when someone is breaking down and is ready to admit to something. Most people react the same way when they are ready to admit they are guilty. Telling the truth if often referred to as opening up to someone.

Opening up is exactly one of the signs that a subject is ready to admit something. People have a tendency to open up with their body language is this situation. This is done by unfolding arms and bringing them down to their sides. Another sign is to uncross legs or to sit up straight instead of sitting crouched in a defensive situation. People also often become for nervous or stressed when they are thinking about admitting to a crime.

This will cause them to sweat especially from the brow. The face will become flushed also. Some other things to look for are a change in voice tone and change in attitude. When sign that a confession are noticed it is important not to give up, even if the subject is being difficult and still being untruthful. Going for the jugular is a must when recognizing these signs. At this point if the interview subject does not confess there is a good chance that it will never happen.

Closing an interview with a victim or a witness should be handled totally differently. Obviously a victim of a witness is not going to confess to anything. At the end of this type of interview an investigator should ask the subject if they have anything to add. The investigator should also have the subject reconstruct all the circumstances, and then probing should follow. At the very end of this type of interview the investigator should always remember to leave with rapport.

Leaving a contact number just in case the subject has anything to add is also suggested. Interviewing and interrogating are similar but do have some differences. During an interview an investigator is trying to get the truth and just wants facts. No accusations are being made toward the subject. An interview turns to an interrogation when the investigator believes that the subject has committed a crime and is not being truthful or when a subject has other information about an incident and is not disclosing it.

When this is the case the investigator will ask questions such as, "Did you do it"? Interrogation should only be done when you think the subject is definitely lying about something. Some of the same rules that apply to interviews also apply to interrogation. Showing respect and trying to maintain rapport is also important to interrogation. Maintaining composer during an interrogation can be difficult.

However no matter what happens an interrogator must remain positive and not show any signs of weakness. Losing composer is exactly what the subject wants the interrogator to do, if this happens the interrogation will not be successful. Environmental settings for an interrogation are also different from an interview. Some interviews are conducted on the scene of a crime or at a subject's house.

All interrogations usually happen in custody. Miranda should be read to a subject when they are in custody and are going to be interrogated. Interviewing and interrogating is a learned skill. It takes time, practice and experience to become good at.

Interview and interrogating is not as simple as just sitting down and talking to some one. Many things need to be considered be conducting an interview and or an interrogation. Before conducting an interview or interrogation human needs and feelings should be considered. Without knowing how a subject feels or what they have gone through will hamper the interview or interrogation session. Before conducting a session an investigator should plan what they want to accomplish and how they are going to reach their goal. Using a technique or certain interviewing or interrogation format will help an investigator be more successful.

Having a positive attitude going into and session will greatly affect the outcome of the session in a positive way. Building rapport with the subject can not be stressed on enough. Rapport can single handedly have more impact on the outcome of the interview than any other aspect. Establishing good rapport with every subject is essential. When interviewing a witness or a victim of a crime remember that they are going through a stressful time.

They may leave out facts or other information during the initial interview. Always leave the door open to them, and maintain good rapport. If there is victim witness programs available to them make sure they are in touch with those programs. During the interview question selecting is important. Open ended questions are good at establishing rapport and give the subject a chance to explain things in general. Closed ended questions are great at getting specific answers and details.

When concluding an interview the investigator should have the subject restate everything that happened and make sure that nothing has been left out. At anytime in an interview or interrogation recognizing signs that a subject is getting closer to admitting something should be capitalized on, if not that information may never be obtained from the subject. Interrogations are slightly different from interviews but should be handled in a similar way. Showing the subject respect and treating them like a human bean is just as important in interrogations as it is in interview. Interview and interrogating is an art. It takes practice and work, but with the right techniques and experience and a positive attitude anyone can become successful at it.

Bibliography

Homes Warren D. Criminal Interrogation. Springfield: Charles C Tomas, 2002 Yeschke Cahrles L.
The Art of Investigative Interviewing. Burlington: Elsevier Science, 2003.