Week 1-2 (1)

Investigative Interviewing

A structured conversation where one person (the interviewer) seeks to gather information from another (the interviewee) during an investigation.

Purpose of Investigative Interviewing

To obtain accurate and reliable information while respecting human rights, focusing on eliciting facts rather than confessions.

Key Actors in a Crime Scene

Victim(s), suspect(s), and witness(es) are the three main actors in a crime investigation.

What is the goal of an investigation?

To search for the truth and accurately reconstruct the past.

Obstacles in Investigation

Investigator biases, inaccurate memories, cognitive limitations, deception, and pressures to solve the crime.

The Importance of Investigative Interviewing

It affects case resolutions and perceptions of the criminal justice system, where poor interviewing can lead to wrongful convictions.

Success in Investigative Interviews

Achieving extensive, reliable, and relevant information through a humanitarian style and open questions.

Evidentiary Sources in Police Investigation

Evidence comes from physical evidence (20%) and testimonial evidence (80%).

Current Issues with Interviewing

Skills deficits, leading questions, coercive methods, and resulting in low-quality information and wrongful convictions.

Evidence-Based Interviewing

An interviewing approach that is science-based and focuses on information-gathering rather than coercive tactics.

What is a working theory?

A working theory is a provisional idea or hypothesis that guides an investigation, subject to further testing and verification.

Traditional Practice

Accusatory, Guilt-presumptive, Coercive, Risk of false confessions

Evidence-Based approach

Science-based, Information-gathering, Open-minded