Investigative Interviewing

Question 1

What is the meaning of the term “arbitrary detention” ?

Answer 1

When you arrest or detain a person and

• you do not have a legislative power to arrest or detain that person (an exception may be essential for the persons safety)
• the arrest or detention is unreasonable or unnecessary in the particular case or the detention was continued for an unnecessarily long time

Question 2

Name ten principles when interviewing?

Answer 2

1. Interviewing is at the heart of the investigation
2. The aim of an interview is to discover the truth
3. Information must be complete, accurate and reliable
4. Keep an open mind
5. Act fairly
6. Questioning can be persistent
7. Some witnesses require special considerations
8. Suspects must be interviewed in accordance to the law
9. Special care must be taken to identify suspects requiring special consideration
10. Be sensitive to culture background and religious beliefs

Question 3

Who are witnesses that require special consideration?

Answer 3

• Children
• the Elderly
• Intoxicated witnesses
• traumatized victims
• witnesses with intellectual disability or mental health issues
• victims of family violence and sexual assault
• witnesses with communication difficulties

Question 4

What relevant information do you ask a eye witness?

Answer 4

Amount of time under observation
Distance 
Visibility 
Obstruction
Known or seen before
Any reason to remember
Time lapse
Error or material discrepancy
Salience

Question 5

Explain the stages of PEACE?

Answer 5

Planning and preparation 
Engage and explain
Account, probe and challenge 
Closure 
Evaluation