Training

Topic: Dismantling the myths of "detective-style" interviewing.

Knowledge: Understand the "interrogation" myths that lead to inaccurate information and legal liability, and why the PEACE framework is the global standard for ethical inquiry.

Skills: Identify common pitfalls in traditional questioning and set professional objectives that prioritize information accuracy and reliability.

Topic: How to enhance memory and reporting.

Knowledge: Comprehend the three stages of memory (Encoding, Storage, Retrieval) and the psychological factors that cause memory failure or distortion.

Skills: Apply anti-contamination strategies to prevent suggestibility and ensure the information you gather is reliable and accurate.

Topic: The psychology of connection and communication.

Knowledge: Understand the role of anxiety in an interview setting and recognize "maladaptive behaviors" (such as silence or aggression) as stress responses, rather than guilt.

Skills: Execute active listening techniques to lower resistance, manage interviewee stress, and maintain a productive dialogue even during difficult topics.

Topic: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Knowledge: Learn why "winging it" leads to evidence gaps and how a written plan serves as the roadmap for a legally defensible interview.

Skills: Construct a comprehensive written interview plan, defining your specific aims, required proofs, and evidence gaps before entering the room.

Topic: The "Engage and Explain" phase.

Knowledge: Understand the "first Impressions" bias, and why the first five minutes determine the success of the entire interaction.

Skills: Deliver a clear "Route Map" to the interviewee, explaining the ground rules and process to reduce anxiety and create an environment for information gathering.

Topic: The "Account" phase and the Cognitive Interview.

Knowledge: Learn the theory behind the Cognitive Interview and why standard questioning practices often fail to retrieve detailed, accurate, reliable, and relevant information.

Skills: Use the PLAT method (People, Locations, Actions, Times) to structure the account and use open-ended prompts to maximize information retrieval without leading the witness.

Topic: The "Clarification and Challenge" phase.

Knowledge: Distinguish between a lie and a mistake, and understand the strategic use of evidence to test reliability.

Skills: Challenge inconsistencies and present contradictory evidence strategically - getting to the truth without breaking rapport or resorting to confrontation.

Topic: Ending professionally and reviewing the new information.

Knowledge: Understand the importance of a "neutral closure" for future cooperation and the criteria for objectively assessing interview quality.

Skills: Professionally close the interview to ensure the witness leaves in a positive state of mind, and conduct a post-interview evaluation to measure your performance against your initial plan.