Working PIby John Gaspar and Anthony Luizzo
The object of conducting an interrogation is to collect accurate information via a structured and systematic process and venue. To be successful, it’s crucial to understand that interrogations and interviews have some important distinctions. For starters, an interview is a casual conversation between two, consenting individuals (interviewer and interviewee), whereas an interrogation is a probing conversation between an interviewer and an unwilling subject.
Specifically, the structures and objectives are different. An interview is typically less formal. It’s a less accusatory chat with willing subjects intended to primarily elicit information. In contrast, an interrogation is a much more formally structured conversation with unwilling subjects that’s designed to elicit secretive information and/or a confession of guilt.
An effective tool used frequently since the mid-20th century by seasoned interrogators and interviewers is a checklist that effectively outlines the workflow process to help guide your sessions.
This checklist serves as a step-by-step list that forms the sum and substance of the interrogation. Once your checklist is drafted, peer reviewed and field tested, it’s ready to be used.
Interrogation Types
Before we dig into the different parts of the checklist, keep in mind that there are two types of interrogations. They are:
• Law Enforcement: These require that the interrogator follows strict legal guidelines (Miranda warnings, using extensive resource databases, crime labs, federal support, etc.), and uses subpoenas and/or other legal tools to compel information.
• Private Security Interrogations: These types of interrogations require fewer legal constraints, and no Miranda warnings are required. Moreover, these require fewer resources than law enforcement interrogations.
Preparation
Here are 10 items of information that should be considered when formulating your checklist:
☐ A need to learn the facts and develop evidence
☐ A need to extract truthful information from witnesses
☐ A need to uncover plans and/or conspiracies
☐ A need to identify suspects and accomplices
☐ A need to obtain corroborating evidence and confessions
☐ A need to recover stolen items
☐ A need to establish the guilt or innocence of suspects
☐ A need to secure written or audio statements
☐ A need to find related evidence (hideouts, weapons, etc.)
☐ A need to catalog all case-related evidence
In all, there are four key phases to an interrogation. It begins by selecting the right interrogator as well as facility or location. You must then develop a solid game plan and formulate effective questioning and notetaking strategies. Follow the below checklists as a guideline.
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The ABCs of Selecting Interrogators
Use interrogators who possess the following traits:
☐ Have the proper education, personality and temperament
☐ Are inquisitive and possess a strong moral compass
☐ Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills
☐ Ability to pay attention to detail
☐ Ability to conduct independent research
☐ Ability to examine physical evidence
☐ Ability to understand human motives
☐ Ability to solve problems effectively
☐ Ability to listen intently
In addition, interrogators must be effective at the following:
☐ Develop an appropriate game plan.
☐ Choose the right interrogation site.
☐ Arrange room furniture and lighting.
☐ Provide basic amenities (water).
☐ Allow ample time for the interrogation.
☐ Devise a questioning strategy.
☐ Ensure audiovisual capabilities.
☐ Formulate a notetaking plan that does not interrupt the flow of the dialogue.
☐ Manage scheduling logistics.
Location and Game Planning
The following checklist items will help you select an appropriate environment, set up the location and formulate an effective game plan for the interrogation:
☐ Select a comfortable, private location for the interview/interrogation.
☐ Arrange seating diagrams.
☐ Ensure seating is conducive to a conversational atmosphere.
☐ Ensure the interrogation room is properly furnished, is soundproof, and that signs speaking to recordings are prominently posted.
☐ Ensure recording equipment is working properly.
☐ Ensure that notetaking materials, pens and other supplies are available.
☐ Ensure that “Personal Preparation-Review Questions” are available.
☐ Revisit, reword and/or refine prepared questions if required.
☐ Mentally prepare for the interrogation.
☐ Stay objective and approach the interview without bias.
☐ Ensure the environmental setup of the interrogation room is free from interruptions and that the interviewee is aware of the exit.
☐ Ensure the interrogation room is properly lighted and temperature-controlled as well as noise- and distraction-free.
☐ Ensure that proper refreshments are available.
☐ Ensure that all legal obligations or constraints related to the interview are available. In addition, make sure that all ethical and confidentiality information is shared with the interviewee.
☐ Ensure that interview notes and recordings are stored securely.
☐ Ensure that proper due diligence mandates are enacted.
☐ Ensure that certified, impartial, bilingual interpreters are available and that communication is between the interrogator and the interpreter.
Set Up for Success
Many articles have been written offering suggestions on how to best decipher disruptive behavior. Peeling back the onion on people, places or things is truly an art as well as a science. The art lies in learning to keep your eyes on the prize during the interrogation, while the science lies in having a checklist to help guide you through the exercise.
Interrogators need to be thermostats, not thermometers, and learn how to effectively connect the dots. Seasoned interrogators must learn to unleash their innovative chips and design effective checklists that help them put on their game face to positively percolate.
We’ve written extensively on this topic. For additional information and suggested reading, please email John Gaspar at jgaspar@afipi.com.
About the Author
John M Gaspar, B.S, M.S, CFE, BAI CSI is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Association of Private Investigators (FAPI), Former President of the Society of Professional Investigators, Past Chairperson of the Board Accredited Investigators (BAI), Retired NYP Major Case Squad Detective, and Retired FCSO Detective Supervisor of the Economic Crime Division.
Anthony Luizzo has a long distinguished career in law enforcement with the NYPD, as a senior security executive with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation, and as President of his PI firm.
We’re always listening. Send your story submission/idea to the Editor: kendra@orep.org.
