Advice by a US investigations trainer (click here) includes how to set the scene of an interview:It is a given that most employees who are brought into an investigative interview are going to be nervous, whether or not they have done something wrong. (Remember, they have also seen the cop shows on TV, and may have expectations, or if they have something to hide, seek to avert attention from themselves.) Asking simple questions like name, address, marital status, schooling and so on gives you a chance to analyze the subject’s truthful behaviour in this heightened state and establish your own authority. You should also take this opportunity to create some rapport with the subject and make a little conversation. Maybe you both went to the same school or live in the same town. “People who are alike, like." If you can get the subject to relax early on it will make any stressful or deceptive behaviour he or she exhibits later all the more clear.
Investigations methodology and interviewing techniques are two of the topics covered during the hugely popular Investigating and Interviewing Skills Course, 3-6 November 2008, 2-5 March 2009 and 26-29 November 2009. The course, which is based on English Law, is delivered by Angus D.I. Darroch-Warren BA (Hons) MSyI, Senior Consultant with Linx International corporate security services, a company very active in the corporate investigations field.
Launched a little over a year ago, the course is considered by many to be the best available short investigations course in the UK. For more information contact Janet.
