Interviewing.

Question 1

What is a “witness” ?

Answer 1

“A witness is a person who sees an event, typically a crime or incident take place…”

(But, consider all senses, not only ‘see’)

Question 2

Why are ‘witness statements/interviews’ important?

Answer 2

Because without the accounts of those who played a central role in the crime, or those who have witnessed an important aspect of the crime, other sources of material such as CCTV, forensic material, although extremely important, may have little value.

Question 3

The PEACE Model of interviewing was introduced with the what initial aims?

Answer 3

Not focusing on obtaining confessions from suspects.

Increased potential of witness interviewing.

Question 4

When discussing the PEACE interviewing technique - what does PEACE refer to…?

Answer 4

P. Planning & Preparation.
E. Engage & Explain.
A. Account clarification & challenge.
C. Closure.
E. Evaluation.

Question 5

Can you name some points to consider in the ‘Planning & Preparation’ phase…

Answer 5

> Create and record an interview plan.

> Characteristics of the interviewee.

> Practical arrangements.

> Make a written plan.

Question 6

Name some points to consider in the written interview plan…
(5 points)

Answer 6

1. Category of witness.
2. Range of topics to cover.
3. Points to Prove. (of the potential offence).
4. Points which may be a defence for committing the offence.
5. ADVOKATE

Question 7

When considering a witness interview - detail how the PEACE model would be applied.

Answer 7

Planning & Preparation:
Thorough Case Overview.
(Time, Date, Location etc.)
What Time Is Convenient?
Where Is Convenient?
Laptop Fully Charged (Paper MG11 & Pens to back up!)
Make notes of the 'Points2Prove'

Engage & Explain:
Good communication skills, verbal and non verbal reassurance - repeat key points.
Explain the process “I may be looking down, but I’m paying attention” - what will happen with statements, time frames etc.
Explain ‘Witness Care & Victim Support’

Account Clarification (we don't "challenge" on witness interviews).
Free-Recall Account, using open questions - 'tell me what happened?'
Note key points and features of their account, identifying topic areas - and explore these in fine detail.
Repeat key points back to witness - clarifying my notes and understanding.

Closure:
Explanation of process… what happens next?

Evaluation:
What went well, what didn’t?
Evaluate the quality of information gathered.

Question 8

How do we retrieve information from our long term memory?

Answer 8

Recognition & Recall

Recognition: Retrieval of info based on cue.

Recall: &raquo_space; see notes <

Question 9

What affects our ability to recall?

6 points

Answer 9

Ineffective encoding - not encoded in the first place.

Interference - when info is confused with other info in long term memory.

Fading - new memories ‘override’ existing memories, unless the info is used.

Motivated Forgetting - traumatic experiences we actively forget.

Physical Injury/Trauma - inability to recall events around traumatic experiences.

Organic Causes - such as age, where forgetfulness is an increasing factor

Question 10

If the Police interview a victim they MUST consider ABE - what is ABE?

Answer 10

Achieving
Best
Evidence

Question 11

What are “Significant Witnesses” ?

Answer 11

Significant Witnesses - sometimes referred to as ‘key’ witnesses are those who;
Have, or claim to have, witnessed visually, or otherwise an indictable offence, or part of such an events closely connected with it.

Question 12

When writing a Witness Statement we should consider IN.S.I.D.E - what is this?

Answer 12

IN troduction or Opening Paragraph
S cene Setting
I ncident
D escription of people/vehicles
E nding