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liz_limpet
Wooden Top
Joined: 06 October 2009
Location: United Kingdom
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Posts: 37
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   Topic: Help - Conducting interviews
Posted: 28 July 2010 at 10:26pm |
Hiya,
I am in my probation period and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on where I may be able to find some information to help me building up my confidence in conducting suspect interviews (other than just building up my experience by conductng them! which I know I also need to do)
I have had a look online but haven't been too lucky. Are there any good books or websites that have information and some techniques etc..?
I'd really appreciate any advice that can be offered  .
Thank you!
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tee5
Class I (Fighter Command)
Joined: 27 October 2005
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Posts: 738
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Posted: 28 July 2010 at 10:30pm |
Why not approach your CID? I'm sure they'll let you sit in on a couple of interviews. Also, ask to be crewed with an experienced officer and watch how they do it. Request a PEACE Interview course as well.
It'll get easier, don't worry!
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Backlash
Garage Sergeant
Joined: 20 October 2006
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Posts: 1176
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Posted: 28 July 2010 at 10:33pm |
If you want to have some reading material, give this a go. Quite a good book in all honesty...
Book Clicky
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Used to hate when old aunts came up to me after weddings and said "u r next" They stopped that when I did the same to them after funerals...
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BIkerider
Moderator Group
Joined: 03 February 2007
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Posts: 3518
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Posted: 28 July 2010 at 11:35pm |
Originally posted by liz_limpetHiya,
I am in my probation period and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on where I may be able to find some information to help me building up my confidence in conducting suspect interviews (other than just building up my experience by conductng them! which I know I also need to do)
I have had a look online but haven't been too lucky. Are there any good books or websites that have information and some techniques etc..?
I'd really appreciate any advice that can be offered . Thank you! I don't want to put any dampers on your enthusiasm but all the books in the world will not make you a good interviewer. During my service we were in at the start of the trial run for taped interviews (about 1987 I think) and we learned by trial and error. We built up a method of doing things with a little written guidance provided on written 'crib' sheets left in the interview rooms. Each persons interview technique is different so don't expect yours to be the same as Pc so and so's. Good interview technique is gained by experience and a little knowledge. One tip though. If there is something that you are not sure of, call a temporary halt to the interview, seal the tapes used and go and ask someone, don't try to bluff your way through, cos it doesn't work. WE all make mistakes and I was no exception, with a couple of really big ones which I was able to recover from, aided by the Custody Sgt. So don't be frightened or put off by the fear of making a complete fool of yourself. We have all done it, only some don't admit to it. Good luck anyway
Edited by BIkerider - 28 July 2010 at 11:38pm
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Kingy from Tyneside
You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off - Michael Caine in the original 'Italian Job'
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keithboy37
Class II (Bomber Command)
Joined: 12 November 2006
Location: United Kingdom
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Posts: 382
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 5:11pm |
Keep them simple and use plenty of Who, why, when, where and how. You can't go far wrong by clarifying everything you are told. Keep the interviews simple and know you points to prove.
Don't let the legal reps/solicitors take charge. You run the interview and if in doubt speak to your custody Sgt. Practice makes perfect and build confidence.
In my opinion the quality of interviews are very poor at the moment and this is probably down to officers letting police staff conduct interviews.
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Whisper
Garage Sergeant
Joined: 07 January 2008
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 5:29pm |
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All of the above and....
Relax!! When you are relaxed you listen better, think more laterally and develop the ability to use silences to your advantage.
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You can agree with me or you can be wrong.....your choice......(Best Oracle signature 2010....so far.....)
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.........
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Wee Man
Garage Sergeant
Joined: 18 November 2006
Location: United Kingdom
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Posts: 1336
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 5:36pm |
Originally posted by Whisper
All of the above and....Relax!! When you are relaxed you listen better, think more laterally and develop the ability to use silences to your advantage.
Definately good advice. I think of interviews as a structured chat, and we all chat every day.
And spend as much time as possible in custody. Most peoples' concerns are fear of the unknown so the more comfortable you are in custody and with custody procedure the more you can concentrate on the interview.
And don't slap the crook whilst shouting "I know you did it, sl*g!", cigarette dangling from your mouth. 
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Peace And Love
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Whisper
Garage Sergeant
Joined: 07 January 2008
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 6:02pm |
Originally posted by Wee Man
And don't slap the crook whilst shouting "I know you did it, sl*g!", cigarette dangling from your mouth.  Another don't for you..... Don't ask a question then answer it yourself. One of the old school D's I worked with many years ago used to ask a question like "so how far is it to Newcastle then.....? It's 40 miles isn't it?.........yes it is......"
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You can agree with me or you can be wrong.....your choice......(Best Oracle signature 2010....so far.....)
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.........
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OnlySoMuch
Class I (Fighter Command)
Joined: 17 December 2007
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Posts: 508
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 10:14pm |
Originally posted by Wee Man....And don't slap the crook whilst shouting "I know you did it, sl*g!", cigarette dangling from your mouth.
Why?
For a suitable training video, locate a copy of a police video made in America and check out the chapters on Interview techniques...
...the first part is in the gents, 2nd is on a roof top.
It's called Tango & Cash and it's a classic 
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Stop the world, i want to get off!
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Phil McCracken
Wooden Top
Joined: 02 July 2006
Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 11:07pm |
As a tier 3 interviewer I feel quite well placed to answer this one.
Planning. I know the pressures put on officers - especially response who are told to just do a 'quick interview'. Even for a simple offence, you need to know what you are going to be talking about in the event of a no comment interview. Just winging it can leave you looking silly.
The comment about a crib sheet is very applicable and it is a good idea to have notes to refer to for the introduction stage but try and get out of the habit of using them. If you are reading off a piece of paper then you are a lot less likely to be concentrating on what the suspect is saying. The less you refer to notes, the more your interview is likely to flow along.
Good interviews should feel just like having a chat with somebody. That's all interviews are, a conversation with a purpose. The vast majority of the conversation should be coming from your suspect.
Don't be bullied by solicitors or legal reps. Their job is to advise their client, not to constantly interrupt your questioning. Ultimately, it is up to a court to decide the admissiblity of the interview and solicitors sometimes need a gentle reminder - all in the most professional way possible - it annoys them wonderfully.
And lastly, the purpose of the interview is to seek the truth, not to stick it to the suspect.
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BIkerider
Moderator Group
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 12:11am |
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Just to add to the last post, if a solicitor consistently seeks to interrupt you during the interview. Stop it there and then and call the D/Inspector. Explain the circumstances and request the solicitor be barred from the room.
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Kingy from Tyneside
You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off - Michael Caine in the original 'Italian Job'
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Melapa
Class I (Fighter Command)
Joined: 28 September 2006
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 12:52am |
Have a good look at a PACE codes of practice book and learn a few
points, such as when you can continue to ask the same questions (To
Clarify points) and state to the solicitor, "I'm continuing
to ask questions regarding this as deemed appropriate by PACE Codes of
Practice (if in northern ireland) C section 11.6(a)" and leave it at
that. The solicitor is likely to do one of two things, (Most
Likely) shut up as they do not know what it says, or try and be cocky
and ask you what it states, this is where you make them think that you
are a super cop and quote it to them, after which you will state to
them (only if they are hindering the interview ) "and I would further
remind you of PACE Codes of Practice C 6.8 and notes 6c/6d) at this
stage the solicitor will most likely soil themselves and be too scared
to ask what this is if they don't know it (deals with the removal of
solicitors who are being obstructive) It will make the solicitors either shut up, or make them look stupid in front of their clients (which they really don't like!
Originally posted by BIkerider
Just to add to the last post, if a solicitor consistently seeks to interrupt you during the interview. Stop it there and then and call the D/Inspector. Explain the circumstances and request the solicitor be barred from the room.
Bikrider it should really be a super if one is available, and if they aren't it doesn't have to be a D/I any Inspector will do. [/QUOTE]
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proper planning prevents piss poor performance
Remember the principal of KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
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Iusedtoplod
Training School Hero
Joined: 30 July 2010
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 1:52am |
Please find the Wiki link below
You should really be following the PEACE procedure, which is pretty fool proof. But most of all, you will build up experience with time and er, experience. Hope this helps.
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BIkerider
Moderator Group
Joined: 03 February 2007
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 9:42am |
Originally posted by Melapa
Bikrider it should really be a super if one is available, and if they aren't it doesn't have to be a D/I any Inspector will do. [/QUOTE][/QUOTE] Sorry it was my abbreviation that confused matters. when I wrote D/I. I meant Duty Inspector, heavens above a Det Inspector at 8pm at night that's unheard of in some nicks!
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Kingy from Tyneside
You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off - Michael Caine in the original 'Italian Job'
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newBeatboy
Class I (Fighter Command)
Joined: 11 November 2006
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 4:53pm |
Planning & preparation & knowing your points to prove (P2P. If youa re not sure about the P2P for an offence, then look them up and write them down before the interview.
Honestly, it will get easier with time.
Also good to know you are asking, and want to develop. A lot of officers with time under their belts are crap interviewers, but know how to talk the talk. When I was a probbie I had one officer who I left good arrests, and always came back as NFA because he couldn't be bothered!
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So all you really got to do
is just-a move you little feet
And just-a rock-a to the beat
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dangermouse
Van Driver
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 9:24pm |
Originally posted by Phil McCrackenAs a tier 3 interviewer I feel quite well placed to answer this one.
And lastly, the purpose of the interview is to seek the truth, not to stick it to the suspect.
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procrastination is the thief of time (you snooze you lose).
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Whisper
Garage Sergeant
Joined: 07 January 2008
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 10:20pm |
Originally posted by Phil McCracken
And lastly, the purpose of the interview is to seek the truth, not to stick it to the suspect.  Ahhhhhhh..............................
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You can agree with me or you can be wrong.....your choice......(Best Oracle signature 2010....so far.....)
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.........
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commister
Class I (Fighter Command)
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Posted: 31 July 2010 at 2:11pm |
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Static pauses and quiet times are far better than trying to talk over the suspect. If you ask a question, let them finish completely before challenging or asking the next one. One scary but effective way t check your own interview is to listen to the tape and see how often you talk over them. They may be answering the critical question, and having talked over them you ask again only to be told by the Sol that the question has already been asked and fully answered by the client.
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HMService
Class I (Fighter Command)
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Posted: 02 August 2010 at 10:04am |
All the above are good tips but I would agree with the poster who says you will not learn it from a book.
I acquired a bit of a reputation as "the interview guy" when I was a DC so just to add my tips to combat the reasons for what I consider most bad interviews.-Preparation is an awful lot of what you need to do. -If you are prepared you will be more confident.
1)Make sure you understand the job/allegation inside out. -Who all the witnesses are, what they saw, relationships between the players, the location.-You need to be able to almost run a movie in your mind based on what is alleged to have happened. If you can do this you will spot inconsistencies between witnesses and in what the suspect says. As he speaks you will be able to fit his movements into your movie. Where he starts not fitting you will feel the areas where the truth deviates toward lies.
2) Disclosure-Dont disclose information that will lend itself to helping the suspect come up with a possible lie. Eg If the guy's fingerprints are in the house-Perhaps you might want to disclose that after he's denied being in there-Not before the interview so he gets a chance to think something up.
3)The PEACE model is a model for thorough gathering of information. You will notice that the challenge part comes toward the end. When your detailed questionning leads your suspect to lie, let him get more and more creative and mire himself deeper. Expanded lies lead to more lies which lead to more- The bigger the lie the easier it is to disprove. When your suspect lies make a note, explore his account around it fully and move on-If he thinks he got away with it it can only help you while you are gathering information.
When you get to the challenge phase unload all his lies on him at once and annihilate his account.
4)When you walk in be ready-What are you going to do if he gives you a pre-prepared statement and no comments etc? If you know you wont be flummoxed.
5) Be ready to give as well as take-If you are operating well, the first part of the interview will be friendly and conversational. The challenge phase will be hugely stressful for your suspect if he has lied to you, (this is the time to watch the brief who will often try to disrupt when they can see their client is on the backfoot). At this time he is likely to feel cornered and will want a friend- that friend can be you, keep an eye on him and go with the ebb and flow.
-Remember as an investigator you are an agent of justice not an agent of the prosecution. If the suspect co-operates with justice, acknowledge it and make sure it's recognised on tape and in court- It isn't your job to put him down- If he's confessing chances are he might not be proud of what he did-Be sympathetic, be human and dont judge and remember what you are there for-To get and present the evidence of whatever happened- If you show distaste toward a paedophile as he tells you what he's done, do you think he'll keep telling you if he feels that he disgusts you?
It's difficult to teach and there is much more to it than I could fit in a few sentences here. I think the best advice I can give is learn PEACE thoroughly, know the law, do a good few interviews solo. Then find a good interviewer and get them to teach you. Do all that and you will become pretty good. If you are also of a certain personality type as well you will become excellent.
HMS
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Fear and Trust Not.....
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Penbwlch
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Posted: 04 August 2010 at 9:05am |
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Ruthc125, spamming is not permitted here. Your post has been removed and you have been suspended.
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I used to be conceited. Now I'm Perfect
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