Tips for the investigative interviewer

 1) Are you OK? We all manage stress in our work and personal life but often we ignore it’s debilitating affects. Chronic fatigue, substance abuse, lack of exercise, poor diet, personal stressors, all impact our ability to function, to focus, and to be patient. Attending to health issues are critical to well being and effectiveness. Your interventions are diminished if you are not all there. 

2) Learn to be comfortable with emotional complexity. The more you know about yourself through experience and reflection the better able you are to connect confidently with another. Often coping effectively with crisis in our work and personal lives give us the opportunity to learn empathy with self and others. 

3). Effective interviewing is improved through clear sensory channels uncluttered by preconceptions. Training in detection methods is most often counterproductive. Oversimplification of behaviour leads to misinterpretation of emotions behind the mask. The challenge for the interviewer is to accelerate toward a form of intimacy with a stranger in a unique encounter. This requires emotional intelligence. Learn to be inquisitive about the interviewee, not just about what they know. Good enquiry encourages the interviewee to articulate their feelings and peel back layers of concerns. If stress is manifest, then address it with confidence. Given the opportunity to articulate their behaviour the interviewee will gain trust through your willingness to understand which leads to good rapport.

4) Learn systematic investigative methods,(SIM). There are a number effective interviewing models out there including PEACE, Conversation Management and Cognitive Interviewing. Non accusatory models are most effective and less stressful. The more requisite variety of skills the more likely you will chose the best method for the the context. Avoid training in interrogation. 

5) Be a team player. Look for support including input on strategies. Be humble. Encourage a positive work environment.

6) Take care of yourself. Your employer, family and friends can’t do it for you.