Interviews represent the most basic and human element of any investigation. Diligent interviewers constantly search for a complete and truthful telling of events. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, an investigative reporter, or security officer, investigative interviewing skills help you to efficiently and reliably determine the events and motives at hand.

This course seeks to highlight the best practices of interviewing techniques and to provide you with a variety of considerations and tools for your next interview. Whether you are interviewing the primary subject of an investigation, a victim, or a peripheral witness, it is crucial that the interview is conducted in a thorough and professional manner. Engaging in anything less may expose the investigation to the risk its findings and conclusions are found less than credible or are ultimately excluded as evidence.

In a successful interview, the process is as important as the results. We begin this course by addressing the quality standards incumbent on investigative interviewers. We also identify best practices for interview preparation to ensure the proper foundation is in place for a successful interview. We then discuss the commencement of the interview and methods to establish rapport with the interviewee. We will also discuss the goals and approaches to both investigative and behavioral questioning. Finally, we will offer best practices for consideration as you conduct your own interviews.

This course is not intended to render you an expert on investigative interviewing. With that said, the tactics and considerations discussed can be helpful to both novice and seasoned investigators. Remember, interviews are more of an art than a science, and the goal of this article is to offer you additional tools as you practice your craft.