Interviewing Techniques in Criminal Justice

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Questions and Answers

What is one reason a witness might be reluctant to testify?

They are friends with the suspect. (correct)

They are seeking approval from their elders. (correct)

They want to gain publicity.

They have no information to share.

Which statement best differentiates a confession from an admission?

A confession is made in court, while an admission is made privately.

A confession is an acknowledgment of guilt, while an admission only acknowledges facts. (correct)

A confession admits facts, while an admission acknowledges guilt.

A confession requires legal representation, while an admission does not.

What is the primary purpose of interrogating a suspect?

To gather character references.

To intimidate them into silence.

To obtain a confession or admission. (correct)

To establish the suspect's alibi.

During which stage is custodial interrogation conducted?

During police custody. Signup and view all the answers

What technique involves utilizing emotions to encourage a suspect to confess?

Emotional Appeal Signup and view all the answers

Which type of confession occurs when a plea of guilt is made during court proceedings?

Judicial Confession Signup and view all the answers

What can make a witness hesitant to provide information during an investigation?

Fear of repercussions on their family. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an extra-judicial confession?

It occurs outside of court during investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an interview in crime investigation?

To gather information relevant to the investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which quality is essential for building rapport with an interviewee?

Knowledge of Human Behavior Signup and view all the answers

What stage follows the preparation phase in the interview process?

Approach Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of an interview is the interviewee asked to narrate their account without interruption?

Cognitive Interview Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended approach for questioning during an interview?

Ask one question at a time Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic should NOT be exhibited by a good interviewer?

Arrogance Signup and view all the answers

Why is humility important for an interviewer?

It fosters a respectful and cooperative atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to ensure clarity in an interview?

Implied answers Signup and view all the answers

What approach should be taken with timid witnesses during questioning?

Create a friendly atmosphere and assure confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'know-nothing type' of witness?

They are reluctant and may have low intelligence Signup and view all the answers

In dealing with deceitful witnesses, what is a recommended investigative strategy?

Allow them to repeat their narration to uncover contradictions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason that might cause witnesses to refuse to talk?

Fear of reprisal from suspects or associates Signup and view all the answers

What type of witness is prone to add irrelevant details during their narration?

Talkative Witnesses Signup and view all the answers

How should an investigator handle 'refusal to talk' witnesses?

Identify the reason for their silence Signup and view all the answers

What type of witnesses might provide valuable information due to their boasting nature?

Boasting, Egoistic, or Egocentric Witnesses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid yes or no questions in witness interviews?

They limit the flow of information Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a 'Weakest Link' strategy during interrogations?

To pressure the weakest suspect into confessing Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Mutt And Jeff' technique function in interrogations?

By alternating between friendly and hostile investigators Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'Drama' play in the interrogation process?

To create an illusion of distress among suspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of employing a 'Stern Approach' in interrogations?

It increases the likelihood of a confession under pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why might an investigator give the suspect an 'Opportunity to Lie' during questioning?

To highlight inconsistencies in the suspect's statements Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the investigator using 'Tricks and Bluffs'?

To convince the suspect they have compelling evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the 'Line Up' technique?

It can lead to wrongful identification Signup and view all the answers

In the interrogation process, what is the function of 'Jolting'?

To create urgency and prompt immediate responses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interviewing

Before interviewing, thoroughly review the crime scene and gathered information.
The interview should not be conducted before visiting the crime scene.
A good interviewer builds rapport with the interviewee.
Good interviewers demonstrate strong personal qualities, possess an understanding of human behavior, and use conversational tones.
Effective interviewing involves identifying common interests with the interviewee, employing acting skills, and exhibiting humility.
The interview process includes preparation, approach, warming up, and cognitive interviewing stages.

Questioning

Avoid multiple, complex, and legalistic questions.
Ensure answers are oral and direct, avoid implied answers through gestures or body language.
Use simple language and ask one question at a time.
Help the interviewee "save face" by avoiding embarrassing questions about exaggerations or errors.
Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".
Differentiate between different witness personalities and adjust questioning techniques accordingly.

Witness Types

The know-nothing type is reluctant and often uneducated.
The disinterested type is uncooperative and indifferent.
The drunken type requires adapted questioning techniques based on their inebriated state.
The talkative type often exaggerates and adds irrelevant information.
The honest witness is truthful and cooperative.
The deceitful witness requires careful scrutiny of their statements as they may lie.
The timid witness needs reassurance and a friendly approach.
The boasting, egoistic, or egocentric witness can provide detailed information but requires patience during questioning.
The refusal to talk witness presents the most challenge; understand their reasons for refusing and try to address them.

Reasons for Witness Refusal

Fear of reprisal stems from a lack of courage to confront the suspect and their associates.
Great inconvenience arises from the time commitment required for testimony, leading to potential financial loss.
Hatred against the police may be due to past negative experiences with law enforcement officers.
Biases of the witness can be influenced by personal relationships with the suspect, leading to reluctance to testify.
Publicity avoidance stems from shyness or a desire to avoid the spotlight.
Family restriction represents the need to seek family approval before making decisions, requiring the investigator to approach family elders for permission.

Interrogation

Interrogation is the forceful questioning of a suspect or reluctant witness to obtain information relevant to the investigation.
Distinguish between confession (direct acknowledgment of guilt) and admission (acknowledgment of facts or circumstances without accepting guilt).
Custodial interrogation takes place while the suspect is in police custody and must adhere to the Miranda Doctrine.

Interrogation Techniques

Emotional appeal utilizes acting and psychological skills to persuade the suspect.
Sympathetic approach focuses on the suspect's past struggles and offers help and kindness.
Friendliness establishes a friendly and sincere demeanor to encourage confession.
Tricks and bluffs involve feigning solid evidence or suggesting leniency in exchange for a confession.
The weakest link involves targeting the most vulnerable suspect and using deception to obtain a confession.
Drama involves creating a staged commotion to influence the suspect's perception.
Line up involves presenting a suspect alongside others in a "line-up" for identification by witnesses.
Stern approach involves displaying a firm and authoritative personality.
Jolting uses unexpected and pointed questions to disrupt the suspect's composure.
Opportunity to lie allows the suspect to elaborate on their alibi and then expose inconsistencies.
The "Mutt and Jeff" technique involves switching between a tough and friendly interrogator to create a contrast and exploit the suspect's vulnerability.

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Description

This quiz focuses on effective interviewing techniques essential for criminal justice professionals. It covers the importance of preparing for interviews, building rapport, and crafting appropriate questions. Additionally, it emphasizes the stages of the interviewing process and the qualities of a good interviewer.