What is Investigative Interviewing?
ignition training in Investigative Interviewing forms part of our specialised portfolio in Forensic Human Communications. It was originally developed specifically to fill the training gap as regards the actual conduct of face-to-face investigative interviews after serious incidents in custodial settings and remains fully compliant with all Prison Service Order 1300 recommendations, ‘slotting in’ to the investigations structure at Key Stage Two: Collect Evidence (PSO1300 2.4.3).
Beyond this specific application, many professional settings today face the need to demonstrate rigorous investigations of allegations of misconduct or negligence. The training offers both a clear structure for the highly charged situation of an investigative interview and develops the skills with which to facilitate it, focussing on the ‘respectful interviewer’ who attempts to seek the evidence and clarify a case in an effective and non-intimidatory manner. Combining proven psychological knowledge on testimony, vulnerable witnesses and suggestibility with effective, person-centred techniques of communication the training gives the skills and confidence to conduct effective and impartial investigative interviews:
- gaining reliable testimony
- avoiding false confessions
- decreasing resistance to interview
The training is split into two parts, which are sequential.
Part 1: Interviewing Witnesses (3 days). enables investigators to gather information in the knowledge that they are not leading nor pressurising witnesses, nor ‘suggesting’ the kind of response they require. The information thus gained is extensive, accurate and reliable. The core skills and knowledge which are developed in Part 1 are then applied to more difficult interviews with persons under investigation for alleged offences or misconduct of whatever kind.
Part 2: Interviewing Suspects (2 days). Investigators are taught what factors actually facilitate admissions of guilt or culpability and develop skills to go about gathering and presenting that evidence in such a way as to make confession an acceptable option for the responsible party, while reducing the likelihood of false confessions for the psychologically vulnerable.
Who is the training suitable for?
Investigative Interviewing training is a Level 3 course suitable for any professional charged with the conduct of gathering information from employees, witnesses, suspects or other parties involved in incidents of possible misconduct or negligence.
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