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Best practices from professionals around the world on training, tips, techniques and application of interview and interrogation skills
December 2008 Posts
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Continuous learning and staying current and fresh is important with the field of investigative interviewing and criminal interrogations, as well as other fields (and LIFE in general). Be a voracious reader of related material; books, journals, research articles within the field as well as within other related areas. Get connected with other professionals and share information, strategies, techniques, etc (such is the purpose of this BLOG)
Wes
This is an extremely fast-paced society that we live in today. There is so much information coming at us that we think in snips instead of sentences. This means that we don't take the time to actively listen and watch for those subtle signs that people exhibit. Most people in the business have the mechanics for interviewing but don't under the importance of simply listening--so much gets past us. Another probalem that is becoming more and more of a problem is that many of us are forgetting how to simply talk to other people. Again, I blame this on the digital age--too much information and too fast. We need to practice our skills of just talking with people. So, in summary, practice listening and simply talking with people.....
That EVERYONE wants to be understood. ~Mike Ritz
Don't get caught up in the external pressures around you. (Length of interview, Overbearing Bosses, Sensitive Investigation w/ public attention...) Ground yourself before the interview and udnerstand what your objectives are.
Hello to Wes and all those interested in statement analysis/interviewing. Wes' comment that you have to keep learning is very true. Nothing is more dangerous than someone who knows everything already. Respect the man searching for the truth... beware the one who has found it... When people scoff at my interest in statement analysis I point out that speaking is a behavior and any behavior can be analyzed. Since there are so many ways (Especially in English. You have to speak a foreign language to really appreciate the breath of English vocabulary.), the specific words you use are chosen for a reason whether one realizes it or not. Trick is to not over interpret. Only take what the evidence offers. Do not go beyond it. Regards Mike McGrath
to echo another comment, we are getting away from the basics of investigations and interviewing. Newer investigators are amazed at what a more experienced ear can catch. I stress to my detectives that listening is more important than talking.
