interviews
Developing details during the interview
During the course of any investigative interview, the interviewer must focus on developing as much detail as possible.
Whether you are interviewing a complainant, witness or suspect, taking the initial piece of disclosure to another level becomes an important part of the process. Obtaining these important details require some very specific skills; active listening and strategic questioning.
You see, when your subject provides bits of information, you must use your active listening skills to determine various areas of concern and topics that need further clarification. When you identify these areas of concern and necessary clarity, strategizing your questions to address and expand upon those concerns is valuable.
When you add details and further explore the areas of concern, you begin to obtain more accurate information and, more importantly, more actionable information. Developing those details will aide in you getting as close to the truth as possible. Just remember, your interviews don’t end with “I did it.”
Wicklander-Zulawski
