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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 obser ...