► ► ► ► ► Explain why they are being interviewed. Depending upon your national laws, it may be appropriate to caution them at this point. Regardless of whether or not this applies, be sure to inform the suspect, in clear terms and in a language that they understand, about the crime(s) they are suspected of having committed and what you will be questioning them about. Explain what will happen in the course of the interview, namely how the interview will be conducted. You should also inform the suspect that they may be questioned on other matters that may arise during the interview in order to explain certain facts and matters. Explain to them their rights, including their right to legal counsel and the point at which this applies according to your domestic laws. Ask the suspect whether they have any questions at this point or if there is anything that they need (such as a toilet break or water). In particular, be sure that they understand what you are saying. All of the above, delivered in a clear, comprehensible and open and respectful manner, is important in establishing rapport. Account After you have finished your introduction and checked appropriately that the suspect fully understands what is expected of them, you should present them with the opportunity to give a detailed and uninterrupted narrative account. This should include their explanation of any information that may suggest that they are responsible for the crime under investigation. Give the suspect time to think and reflect during their account and do not feel that you need immediately to fill the “space” created by any pause. Allowing silence can be an effective tool, if used properly, to encourage the interviewee to expand on what has been said and to add extra detail or give a further account of events. It is important to encourage the suspect to give their account and not to interrupt, even where you already doubt aspects of its truthfulness or accuracy. Remember you are allowing the suspect to give “their” account, as this will provide information that can later be checked and may point to their guilt or innocence. You will need a record of this account, not only as evidence, but also to allow you to relate back to the suspect critical points that they have made, and that you will later clarify or challenge, where the details are in contradiction to other information already in your possession. You can help ensure that the suspect is aware of their own statements by repeating back to them a summary of what they have said. Give them an opportunity to agree with the summary or amend it as (they feel is) appropriate. Page 24 ► A brief introduction to investigative interviewing