Interview & Interrogation Methodology

One-Day Workshop

Presentation Abstract

Every investigation contains an interview. An interview is a meeting with a victim, witness or informant to discuss issues or to receive information. An interview is also a conversation with a goal: to gather information while positively influencing behavior. This workshop introduces participants to the concepts and practical applications of basic interview and interrogation methodology, drawing clear distinctions between each objective. The workshop also introduces the most simple and effective techniques for gathering and validating information from cooperative sources such as victims, witnesses and informants -- and from uncooperative sources such as hostile witnesses and suspects.

The workshop provides a logical and strategic model to help participants understand the true scope of the communication process regarding both criminal and non-criminal events that may occur within your institution. By understanding the cause and effect relationships between an investigator's strategy and the investigative result, participants may design and implement a standardized institution-wide interviewing process.

The workshop is designed especially for those people who are responsible for investigating and documenting events for financial institutions: compliance officers, human resource specialists, security officers, auditors and operations managers. Previous investigative experience is helpful -- but not necessary -- to understand and use the information. You will also benefit if you are responsible for or assist with conducting operational reviews, investigations, training employees or writing policy and procedures.

Presentation Topics

l        Overview

l        Questions To Answer Before Interviewing

l        Motives For Cooperating During An Interview

l        Factors Likely To Affect Witness Perception & Memory

l        Initial Approach & Preparation

l        Making Personal Contact

l        Establishing The Setting

l        Establishing Rapport

l        Recording The Interview

l        Establishing Control

l        Initial Questioning Techniques

l        Focused Questioning Techniques

l        Precise Questioning Techniques

l        Gathering Additional Leads

l        Ending Personal Contact

l        Establishing Follow-Up Tasks

l        Applying The Interviewing Methodology To Interrogations

Presentation Objectives

This workshop is designed to help you:

l        Conduct an initial and continuing assessment of the institution's interviewing and interrogation practices

l        Determine if your interviewing and interrogation practices are appropriate and effective

l        Determine the most effective types of training for employees at all levels -- with an emphasis upon the security function

l        Identify employee classifications that should receive different levels of training, including members of the Audit, Human Resources and Security functions

l        Identify policies, procedures and training techniques that should be retained, modified or eliminated

l        Make recommendations that will likely enhance investigative successes

l        Gain the necessary support from your board of directors, other department managers and staff

l        Prepare the tools that both the institution and the trainer may use to defend themselves in the event of a legal action

Presentation Audience

l        Security Officers

l        Auditors

l        Human Resources Managers

l        Training Managers

l        Compliance Officers

l        Retail Operations Managers

Presentation Tools

l        Workbook text

Last updated on February 6, 2009