Private Security and the Investigative Process, 3rd Edition

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3

Initial Interview and

Case Evaluation

I. INTRODUCTION

Communication skills, especially during interviews with a prospective or existing client, witness,

suspect, or other party, are a core competency for the investigator. How to ask questions and gain

information should not be assumed to be an easy skill to master. In fact, it is safe to say that the art

of investigation and questioning takes years to perfect. Interviews are but one of those stages where

the questions mean a great deal. An interview can encompass many purposes, including an initial

visitation with a prospective client, an ongoing dialogue with a long-term client, an observational

review and analysis of a witness or suspect statement, an interrogation of a suspected wrongdoer, a

character assessment by a suspect’s neighbor, or a background information check. In any of these

scenarios, the private investigator must gauge his or her time and energy wisely. Knowing the dif-

ference between idle chitchat and productive discussion is essential.

At a minimum, an interview is a conversation designed to garner facts and clarify issues. Viewed

positively, the interview is human interaction between the interviewer and the respondent. “Properly

handled, an interview is an accurate communication of information; improperly handled, it can

become a serious source of bias restricting or distorting the communication ow.”

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Whatever the circumstances and conditions surrounding the interview process, certain practices

are universal.

1. Select a time and a place that is mutually convenient.

2. Prepare in advance for an interview.

3. Begin the interview on a cooperative and pleasant note.

4. Establish rapport with the respondent or interviewee.

Without preparation, the interview will be a awed exercise from the outset. Knowing what to

ask, how the issues course through the selected questions, and being able to conduct a meaningful

post-assessment of the interview are just a few parts of the interview protocol. “The issues to be

discussed and the questions to be asked must be clear before the interview. In complicated discus-

sions, the investigator may decide to list objectives and questions in advance, but the list should not

be used during the actual interview.”

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On a practical note, information is more easily acquired when the investigator acts professionally

and treats the respondent with the courtesy and dignity that all people expect and to which they are

entitled. See Figure 3.1 for an example of the importance of these traits in an actual company.

II. INITIAL INTERVIEW

Many times, the rst step in a investigation is the interview of either a client, suspect, victim, wit-

ness, plaintiff, or defendant. At the initial interview, the security ofcer’s interactive talents are

put to the test. At this stage, the investigator sets the tone for the upcoming investigative process.

Success in the initial interview depends on the following principles: