Interviewing Basics: Note-Taking and Preparation
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Questions and Answers

What is one key advantage of conducting interviews soon after an incident?

  • It provides the most accurate and helpful information. (correct)
  • It allows for a less structured conversation.
  • It can reduce the emotional state of the interviewee.
  • It allows for leading questions to be effective.

Why should leading questions be avoided during an interview?

  • They can make the interviewee feel distrustful.
  • They often result in detailed answers.
  • They only require 'yes' or 'no' answers.
  • They prevent open-ended responses. (correct)

What is a recommended approach for the location of the interview?

  • A location best known to the interviewee.
  • An isolated, distraction-free, and safe environment. (correct)
  • Anywhere crowded to provide a sense of urgency.
  • A public space to ensure transparency.

What type of questions should ideally be used following an open-ended question in an interview?

<p>Close-ended questions to clarify specific details. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best practice for establishing rapport with an interviewee?

<p>Creating a respectful and private atmosphere. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to isolate the interviewee during questioning?

<p>To ensure no distractions interfere with communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical example of a close-ended question?

<p>What were you doing at the time? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor should NOT influence the timing of an interview?

<p>The availability of recording equipment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a narrative in a report?

<p>To offer a detailed account of an incident and related events (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be included in a report to maintain factuality?

<p>Detailed observations about actions and expressions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should vague or unnecessary information be avoided in reports?

<p>It can confuse the reader regarding the facts presented (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a criminal offense in report writing?

<p>Altering information obtained about an incident (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best exemplifies appropriate reporting of a witness's emotional state?

<p>The witness was fidgeting and avoided eye contact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should contradictory statements from different witnesses be handled in a report?

<p>Include each explanation even if they contradict (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of content is prohibited in a factual report?

<p>Personal feelings or interpretations of events (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic should never be employed during an interview to ensure admissibility of evidence?

<p>Making promises of leniency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cognitive interviewing?

<p>To enhance the recall of eyewitness events (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does mirroring play in an interview setting?

<p>It creates a rapport by matching verbal and non-verbal cues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended as a minimal encourager?

<p>I need more details (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for an interviewer when developing rapport with an interviewee?

<p>Maintaining a posture that indicates full attention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action may lead to disciplinary action for an interviewer?

<p>Creating physical evidence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should an interviewer react if the interviewee seems to struggle to provide a response?

<p>Encourage them gently to take their time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with utilizing intimidation tactics during interviews?

<p>It can result in evidence being deemed inadmissible (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines the concept of minimal encouragers in interviewing?

<p>They are subtle prompts that indicate the interviewer is engaged (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what manner should an interviewer position themselves during an interview for effective interaction?

<p>In a way that shows active listening and engagement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using an objective tone in a report?

<p>To maintain a professional and businesslike manner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents typically requires a report to be submitted?

<p>Officer use of force incidents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can numerous grammatical errors in a report have on a reader's perception?

<p>It can distract from the report's content. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT essential for a well-written report according to the content provided?

<p>Engaging storytelling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a traffic crash not require a report?

<p>When it is minor and does not meet legal requirements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of submitting a report with mechanical errors?

<p>Negative reflection on the officer's professionalism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should a law enforcement officer think about the format of a report?

<p>Before writing, considering the situation and circumstances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a noncriminal incident that could require reporting?

<p>A miscellaneous suspicious activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to report only facts rather than opinions in law enforcement reports?

<p>To ensure accuracy and maintain credibility. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key consideration for the audience of a report?

<p>The relevance of the content to their responsibilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary requirement imposed on law enforcement officers by the Miranda decision during an interrogation?

<p>They must advise suspects of their constitutional rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'custody' in the context of the Miranda decision?

<p>A scenario where a person's freedom is significantly restricted. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the U.S. Supreme Court deliver the Miranda decision?

<p>1966 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if law enforcement fails to follow the rules set forth in the Miranda decision?

<p>Any obtained statement cannot be used in court. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must law enforcement demonstrate to determine if a person is in custody?

<p>That a reasonable person would feel they could not leave. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment rights are specifically addressed in the Miranda decision?

<p>Fifth and Sixth Amendments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the elements required for the Miranda decision to be applicable?

<p>Custody, interrogation, understanding, and free and voluntary waiving of rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a scenario that is typically not considered custody?

<p>A person is detained for a roadside driving test. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the requirement that a suspect must understand their Miranda rights?

<p>To protect against violating the suspect's legal rights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome if a suspect waives their Miranda rights?

<p>They can still revoke their waiver at any time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Close-ended questions

Questions requiring specific answers, often 'yes' or 'no', to gather detailed information.

Leading questions

Questions that steer the interviewee toward a particular conclusion, precluding a neutral account.

Open-ended questions

Questions that allow a wide range of responses, encouraging narrative and perspective.

Interview timing

Conduct interviews soon after an incident for maximum accuracy; consider location based on scene conditions and interviewee well-being.

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Interview location

Conduct interviews in a safe, private, distraction-free place, ideally secluded from other involved parties.

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Interview Isolation

Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects separately to preserve confidentiality and prevent influence from others.

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Establish elements of a crime

Use interview questions to pinpoint key details about a crime (e.g., who, when, where, etc.)

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Objective Questions

Questions focusing on facts, without steering the response towards a specific conclusion; avoids prejudgement.

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Mirroring Technique

Matching an interviewee's speech patterns, gestures, body language, or posture to build rapport and show active listening.

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Minimal Encouragers

Brief statements or non-verbal cues that encourage the interviewee to continue sharing information.

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Cognitive Interviewing

Recreating an event (physically or mentally) to enhance memory recall and obtain a more accurate account.

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Power Imbalance

The difference in authority between law enforcement officers and the public, which can influence interactions.

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Inappropriate Tactics

Actions that may compromise the validity of an interview, such as threats, promises of leniency, or creating evidence.

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Avoid Filling Gaps

Resist suggesting conclusions or filling in details for the interviewee, allowing them to tell their own story.

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Rephrase Interviewee Responses

Rephrasing what the interviewee says as questions or statements to clarify information and gather more details.

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Body Language During Interview

Maintain active listening posture by facing interviewee, turning your head and torso towards them.

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Cognitive Interviewing Location

Conduct cognitive interviews in a private location, away from distractions and other involved parties.

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Consequences of Inappropriate Tactics

Using inappropriate interview tactics can result in suppressed evidence, disciplinary action, and civil liability for officers.

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Miranda Decision

The 1966 Supreme Court ruling requiring law enforcement to inform suspects of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights (right to remain silent, right to an attorney) before questioning.

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Custodial Interrogation

Questioning of a suspect in custody, where they are not free to leave or end the interrogation.

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Miranda Warning

A statement given to a suspect in custody informing them of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.

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Custody

A state of being deprived of freedom, where a person is not at liberty to leave. Examples include being handcuffed, being restrained, or being confined in a police car.

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Interrogation

Questioning, usually by law enforcement, designed to elicit information from a suspect.

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Elements of Miranda

The four key components required for a legal interrogation: custody, interrogation, understanding, and voluntary waiver of rights.

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Voluntary Waiver of Rights

A suspect's conscious and knowing decision to speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.

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Understanding (Miranda)

The suspect's comprehension of their Miranda rights, including their right to remain silent and right to an attorney.

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Terry Stop

A brief detention by law enforcement, for questioning, often based on reasonable suspicion.

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Traffic Stop

A brief detention by law enforcement of a vehicle for routine checks or violation of traffic laws.

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Factuality in Reports

Reports must only include verifiable facts, such as the who, what, where, when, why, and how of an incident, avoiding personal opinions, judgments, or guesses.

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Avoiding Falsification

Altering information to change the narrative of an incident is illegal and considered a criminal offense.

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Documenting Emotional States

Instead of subjective descriptions like "upset" or "belligerent", use concrete details to depict emotions, such as physical actions or gestures.

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Neutral Reporting

Present all sides of a story without bias, including conflicting information from witnesses.

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Avoiding Unnecessary Details

Keep reports concise and focused on relevant information, excluding emotional, sarcastic, or opinionated content.

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Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

These core elements are crucial for providing a complete and accurate account of an incident.

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Report Content: Actions & Circumstances

Narratives should detail the actions of individuals involved, including their statements and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Report Tone

A law enforcement report should be professional, objective, and use plain English. Stick to facts and avoid opinions.

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Report Audience

Consider who will read the report (e.g., officers, prosecutors, judges), and tailor the language and detail accordingly.

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Burglary Report

A report detailing a theft from a building, including information about property taken, entry method, and possible suspects.

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Found Property Report

A report documenting the discovery of lost or abandoned items, including details about the object and location.

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Officer Use of Force Report

A detailed account of any force used by an officer, including the reason for its use, the level of force, and the individual's response.

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Traffic Crash Report

A report documenting a vehicle collision, including details about the vehicles involved, injuries, and the circumstances of the crash.

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Runaway Juvenile Report

A report documenting the disappearance of a minor, including details about the child's age, location, and any possible clues.

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Missing or Endangered Persons Report

A detailed report about an individual reported missing, including their description, last known location, and any potential threats to their safety.

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Importance of Writing Mechanics

Good grammar, punctuation, and spelling are crucial for a clear and professional report. They ensure the reader can focus on the content.

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Impact of Errors

Mechanical errors in a report can raise questions about the officer's professionalism and even affect the outcome of a case.

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Study Notes

Unit 1: Basics of Interviewing, Lesson 1: Taking Good Notes

  • Note-taking is crucial for documenting incidents, events, activities, or statements, ensuring accurate record keeping
  • Good notes assist in recalling facts, creating reports, and preparing for depositions/trials
  • Notes help other officers involved understand the important facts quickly
  • Notes should record the "where," "when," "who," "what," "how," and "why" of an incident
  • Record details of the incident, the people involved, and any relevant objects, evidence

Unit 1: Basics of Interviewing, Lesson 2: Preparing for the Interview

  • An interview is a conversation with someone who has knowledge about an incident (not an arrest situation)
  • The interviewee is free to leave
  • Interviews are conducted to collect information from witnesses, suspects, and victims
  • Safety is paramount during interviews; always consider the possibility of the interviewee having a weapon
  • Preparation includes planning who to interview and the order, where the interview will take place, and the type of information to gather

Unit 1: Basics of Interviewing, Lesson 3: Conducting the Interview

  • Interviews have three stages: warm-up, primary, and closing
  • The warm-up stage establishes rapport, introducing yourself, and explaining the interview's purpose
  • The primary stage collects information about the incident
  • The closing stage summarizes the collected information, asks follow-up questions, and thanks the interviewee
  • Avoid inappropriate tactics like threats or promises, maintaining professionalism throughout

Unit 1: Basics of Interviewing, Lesson 4: Miranda and Laws of Interrogation

  • Interrogation is distinct from an interview, as it's a formal process with detained individuals who are no longer free to leave
  • Miranda warnings are required when interrogating a suspect
  • Custody occurs when a reasonable person would feel they can't leave
  • Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
  • Interrogation must cease if a suspect invokes their rights
  • Juvenile interrogations follow similar standards as adult interrogations

Unit 2: Writing a Report, Lesson 1: Reports

  • Reports are critical records of incidents, situations, occurrences, or events, often referred to as offense or offense-incident reports
  • Well-written reports aid prosecutions, reduce liability, and save time/resources
  • Information within reports are used for appeals, criminal proceedings, depositions, and internal investigations
  • Reports should be clear, concise, and organized by dates and times, or by category of information
  • The report should include who, what, where, when, why, and how of an incident

Unit 2: Writing a Report, Lesson 2: Mechanics

  • Report content is important but correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are crucial for clarity
  • Effective vocabulary enhances the professionalism of reports
  • Sentence structure should be clear, concise, and unambiguous
  • Use past tense for reports about past events
  • Correct spelling and grammar, as well as proper capitalization, are essential

Unit 2: Writing a Report, Lesson 3: Elements and Principles of Effective Report Writing

  • Reports typically have an introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Reports should provide a detailed chronological account of the incident
  • Accurate documentation is critical for the effectiveness and validity of a report

Unit 2: Writing a Report, Lesson 4: Reviewing a Report Before Submission

  • Reports should be reviewed before submission for accuracy, clarity, correctness, and completeness
  • Correct any mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc

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Description

This quiz covers the essentials of interviewing techniques, focusing on effective note-taking and preparation strategies. Understand the importance of capturing details accurately and ensuring safety when conducting interviews. Test your knowledge on how to document incidents and prepare for engaging with witnesses and victims.

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