INTERVIEWS
Handling "He said-She said" investigations
Some of the most difficult investigations to conduct are the ‘he-said, she-said’ types of allegations where there is no evidence to support either side of the story.
Questions often come up regarding these investigations and the most effective way to approach interviewing those involved in the allegation is the Cognitive Interview. It’s important to understand how the Cognitive Interview differs from a standard fact-gathering interview.
The Cognitive Interview is designed to increase memory retrieval, and thus the amount of accurate information you’re able to obtain from your interviewee. While the approach poses similar principles to the standard fact-gathering interview there are two primary differences.
First, the introduction phase in the Cognitive Interview is much more robust than normal with a heavy focus on the value of rapport. During this introduction phase you also introduce four memory retrieval rules and expectations; set the expectations of collaboration.
The second difference is related to advanced-type questioning which explores and adds clarity to the narrative by changing perspective and utilizing other various memory retrieval techniques such as encouraging the use of diagrams during the interview process. Systematically probing the narrative from different perspectives and in different orders aide in obtaining more detailed information.
Understanding the elements of the Cognitive Interview can be a great resource for any investigation, particularly ones that rely heavily on the amount of information you can gather from your interviewee.
By Chris Norris, CFI
