Investigative Interviewing

Course Outline:

Many professionals are required to conduct interviews in situations where the information obtained may be vital evidence in later proceedings. Failure to conduct these interviews properly may result in evidence being inadmissible, unreliable or without weight.

This course explores the key skills required to conduct the best practice PEACE model of interviewing (Planning & Preparation, Engage & Explain, Account, Clarification & Challenge, Closure and Evaluation) in an interactive training environment.

Delegates will be taught how to interview those suspected of offences, breaches or disciplinary matters, and how to use different interview techniques to maximise the evidence gained.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Effectively plan and prepare for different types of interviews
• Balancing the investigator’s powers with the individual’s rights
• How to structure interviews following relevant legal requirements
• Different questioning techniques and when to use them
• Dealing effectively with disclosure, solicitors, trade-union representatives, silences and selective answering
• Handling inconsistencies in the account given by the interviewee and with other available evidence
• Role-play of fact-finding, witness and/or suspect interviews