Preparation Preparation also entails being psychologically ready for the interview. You need to be prepared to address the behaviours of the suspect positively, even where they may frustrate or challenge you. Your focus should be on maintaining rapport and promoting an environment that will be most conducive to allowing you to achieve your aims. You must also be aware of your own emotions and feelings and how you contain and control these in a way that does not impede the progress of the interview. Remember that the lead interviewer may give way to their colleague where personality or temperament appears to be impeding the building of rapport with the suspect. Preparation also demands devising an optimal physical environment, with the available resources, in which to conduct an interview. You need to consider where the interview will take place: for example, how to lay out the interview room and access the right recording material or equipment. Even the seating plan of the interview needs to be thought through and may change depending on who will be in the room at the time, what you are trying to achieve, and any special features or requirements of the suspect themselves. You will need to ensure that there is nothing to distract you or the suspect during the interview and that the room is quiet, private and free from unnecessary interruption. You should not allow yourself to be distracted or flustered by the presence of a third party, such as a legal adviser, interpreter or accompanying adult in the case of juveniles. These individuals have defined roles that you need to consider in your planning stage and clarify with them as you prepare to conduct the interview. Introduction Remember your need to establish and maintain rapport and that this begins from your very first introduction to the suspect. This will be supported by your show of interest in the suspect and concern for their well-being. You are not trying to be their “friend”; rather, you are dealing with them in a way whereby they can see that you respect them as a person and understand the stress and problems associated with the situation in which they now find themselves. ► Introduce yourself by name and rank and similarly identify any other police officers and officials present. Explain what your and their roles will be during the process. The interview process ► Page 23