interviews
Defining success in an interview
I’d like you to take a moment and think about how you might define success when it comes to an investigative interview; particularly with the subject of your investigation.
Perhaps a successful interview can be defined in many different ways. It could be as simple as getting co-operation, the gathering of accurate and actionable information, simply obtaining the truth, remaining objective, and even proceeding without tension or hostility on either party. There are many ways you could define success, but let’s make sure we’re not defining success based solely on obtaining admissions or confessions.
If success is defined by admissions or confessions you might find yourself falling victim to one of the many biases you may bring into the interview process. Outcome bias and confirmation bias are ones that come to mind rather quickly. You see, performance should not be judged on results alone. Let’s re-define success and think process rather than outcome.
When defining success through this lens, take into account three primary factors: substance, processes, and compliance. Substance is the information obtained during the interview. Processes equate to the way the information was gathered. Compliance refers to the adherence to policy, procedures, evidence-based practices and foundational principles of effective investigative interviewing. A successful interview requires a meaningful approach.
by Chris Norris, CFI
