Science Based Interview & Interrogation

December 8 @ 8:00 am – December 10 @ 4:00 pm

This course provides an introduction to science-based, rapport-based interview and interrogation (I&I) techniques, the same techniques in which FBI and CIA interviewers are trained. You will learn:

• How to prepare for difficult interviews,
• The true nature of rapport and how to develop rapport with even the most challenging subjects,
• Specific models for developing rapport in an interview,
• How memory works and how to help victims and witnesses remember more accurate details,
• How best to use evidence, and
• Modern science-based methods of detecting deception.

Within the course we also discuss how we can best manage the uncertainty and ambiguity that is present in almost all investigations and the inherent cognitive biases that can impact our thinking in the investigative and interview processes.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the basic psychology of effective interpersonal communication.
• Recognize and control for common cognitive biases.
• Understand the basic methodology for interview planning and preparation.
• Understand the basic components of rapport.
• Understand and be able to apply the BASE Model of Rapport and the Interpersonal Behavior Wheels model.
• Understand the basic components of memory and apply memory enhancing mnemonics.
• Differentiate between science and pseudoscience in deception detection and apply verbal-based methods of credibility assessment.
• Effectively use available evidence in an interview with late disclosure of key evidence.

Equipment Needed:

• Notetaking materials

MLEAP Accreditation Standard:

• This course meets MLEAP Standard 7.07 – Interrogation