4TH EPISODE CDI 3, INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

Summary

In this episode, the lesson covers interview techniques related to special crime investigations. Key topics include the definition of interviews, the importance of distinguishing interviews from interrogations, and how psychological techniques can aid in gathering information. The script also delves into elicitation, cognitive interviews, and the roles of direct and cross-examinations in gathering facts. Emphasizing the 'Golden Rule of Interview,' the script highlights the need for investigators to be present at the crime scene to effectively conduct interviews. The lesson underscores the importance of trust-building, good rapport, and understanding the investigation process thoroughly for accurate results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interview is a tool used in criminal investigations to extract information from witnesses or victims, not suspects.
• 😀 The key difference between interview and interrogation is that interviews gather facts from witnesses, while interrogations aim to obtain confessions from suspects.
• 😀 Elicitation is a technique used to subtly obtain information from individuals without them realizing it, useful in both interviews and interrogations.
• 😀 Cognitive interviews allow witnesses to narrate their accounts without interruption, followed by direct and cross-examination for clarification.
• 😀 Direct examination focuses on eliciting factual testimony without leading the witness, using open-ended questions to establish facts.
• 😀 Cross-examination challenges the credibility of a witness, exposing inconsistencies and testing the accuracy of their account.
• 😀 Leading questions suggest specific answers (often yes or no) and are typically only allowed in cross-examination, not in direct examination.
• 😀 The Golden Rule of interview: Never conduct or allow an interview unless the interviewer has personally visited the crime scene.
• 😀 Prior knowledge of the case and the witness's background helps the investigator establish rapport and trust during the interview process.
• 😀 Effective interview techniques require experience in the field, where being present in the actual operation allows the investigator to gather better information and ensure the accuracy of reports.
• 😀 Investigators should approach their seniors respectfully and demonstrate leadership without outshining them, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding lapses.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of an interview in a criminal investigation?

An interview in a criminal investigation is used to extract information from witnesses or victims, which is relevant to the investigation of a crime or criminal activities.

How is an interview different from an interrogation?

An interview is intended for witnesses or victims, while an interrogation is aimed at obtaining confessions or admissions of guilt from suspects.

What is the cardinal rule for questioning during an interview?

The cardinal rule is to avoid leading questions during direct examination and to establish facts without influencing the witness's testimony.

What is the purpose of elicitation techniques in criminal investigations?

Elicitation techniques are used to obtain latent or concealed information from individuals, whether witnesses or suspects, often without them being aware of it.

Can elicitation techniques be used during both interviews and interrogations?

Yes, elicitation techniques can be employed in both interviews and interrogations, though they are typically used to gather information from individuals who may not realize they are revealing useful details.

What is a cognitive interview and how is it conducted?

A cognitive interview is a technique used with cooperative witnesses where they are given full opportunity to narrate their account without interruptions. After the narration, direct and cross-examinations help clarify and complete the information provided.

What is the difference between direct and cross-examination?

Direct examination seeks to establish facts through open-ended questions without leading the witness, while cross-examination challenges the witness's credibility and exposes inconsistencies in their testimony.

Why are leading questions prohibited during direct examination?

Leading questions are prohibited during direct examination because they suggest a specific answer, which can hinder the establishment of complete and accurate facts.

What is the golden rule of interview in criminal investigations?

The golden rule of interview is that no interview should be conducted by someone who has not visited the crime scene, as understanding the facts and conditions of the scene is crucial for accurate questioning.

Why is it important for the interviewer to have prior knowledge of the witness or suspect?

Having prior knowledge of the witness or suspect, such as their background or personal connections, helps the interviewer establish rapport and trust, which is essential for an effective interview.