PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The program is designed to provide Investigators with proven techniques that can be applied in various accusatory and non-accusatory interview situations. Participants will develop skills in preparing for the interrogation with a "game plan" which emphasizes a pro-active, rather than reactive role. Experienced instructors who are practitioners will train course participants in what to expect, what to look for, and how to interpret what is happening in the interrogation setting. A series of lectures, video tape exercises, practical hands-on classroom experiences, and evening assignments are used in the instruction. The program includes up-to-date information on the legal aspects of interrogation and admissibility of the confession into court.

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COURSE OBJECTIVE:

When the investigators complete this course they will be able to:

• Describe the basic elements of a non-accusatory (witness, victim) interview.
• Describe and demonstrate applicable techniques and question formulation for interviewing witnesses, victims, and informants.
• List and describe the seven (7) steps/phases of interrogation.
• Identify physiological responses which demonstrate truthful and deceptive answers.
• Describe and demonstrate various strategies of building rapport with people.
• Demonstrate through class exercises and evening assignments, interview/interrogation skills in dealing with:
  • The elimination of multiple suspects.
  • The handling of negative responses and objections.
  • Confronting the suspect to elicit meaningful responses.
• Calibrate an individuals' communication strategy.
• Formulate questions and statements which will elicit physiological mannerisms from the suspect.
• Demonstrate the ability to select an untruthful or deceptive person from a group of truthful persons.
• Prepare oral or written confessions for meaningful presentation in court proceedings.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

This course of instruction is designed for the law enforcement officer who is engaged in interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects. The information and techniques are equally applicable for the new investigator and the investigator with years of experience.

Read what a typical class had to say.

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