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The Interview Process

Learn about the movement for more experienced interviewers and the challenges they face in controlling the interview process. Discover techniques for determining prior criminal records, avoiding misinformation, and establishing psychological content.

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The Interview Process

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  1. The Interview Process Chapter 2

  2. The movement for more experienced interviewers began in the 1990’s • One of the challenges is for the interviewer to control the events as much as possible, taking the time needed to do a through job while at the same time feeling at ease and comfortable with the process.

  3. Case Review Determine the Prior Criminal Record Viewing the Scene gather information from all available sources determine if prior records exist for the perpetrator and all witnesses personally view the scene whenever possible Phase I – Interview Preparation

  4. Misinformation • Misinformation refers to internal and external sources of information that produce variation in the answers given by an interviewee.

  5. Cognitive and developmental factors include: Age IQ Health Awareness Relative judgment refers to the choices made by the witness, including Identification Distance Description Sources of Internal Misinformation

  6. Includes any information of an event that is acquired after the event occurred Interviewers using suggestive techniques or questions provide a common source of external change Sources of External Misinformation

  7. When a person’s memory of an event is changed due to the introduction of misinformation it is referred to ascontamination. 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 Defining Contamination

  8. Phase II - Establishment of the Psychological Content • Controlling the Interview: • Separate witnesses prior to questioning • Deal with the objections to being interviewed • Privacy is paramount • The highest degree of control is possible in the police station

  9. When should the interview occur? • Influences on when to interview: • Physical and emotional needs of the witnesses • The nature of the offense • Special populations

  10. 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

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

  12. Phase III – Actual Questioning • Identify potential distorters • These are environmental and personal factors which can influence what people hear and see

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

  14. Recognize Enhancers • Enhancers are special interests that may enable a witness to provide details that seem remarkable

  15. Enhancing Recall • Involve the five senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing to enhance recall

  16. A question that is asked in a way that encourages a narrative by giving direction to the interviewee because it does not limit the answer, it is broad and non-specific Initial seeks a full-undirected narrative response Clarifying seeks to complete or expand on the information already provided Open-ended Questions

  17. Examples of Open-ended Questions • Tell me what happened … • Would you tell me everything that you know about… • Tell me what you remember about the car you mentioned …

  18. Reinforcing Behavior • The reinforcing behavior to encourage narratives can be verbal or non-verbal • It does not indicate approval or disapproval

  19. Examples of Reinforcing Behavior • Saying “okay” in a matter of fact manner • Saying, “Please continue” • Nodding • Use of forced silence

  20. Requires a “yes” or “no” or brief answer These are useful for: Verifying information Filling in gaps of the interview Obtaining specific factual information Closed-ended Questions

  21. Examples of Closed-ended Questions • What time did you go to bed on Saturday? • Do you know the name of the person who did this to you? • What is your age?

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