Evaluation At the end of the interview, the first evaluation that you will make is whether or not you met the objectives that you had set for the interview during the planning phase. You will consider what actions are now necessary to move the investigation forward in the light of the suspect’s account, their responses to your questioning and the information already in your possession. You may need to make further inquiries to test the veracity of statements made, test defences offered or locate and secure evidence, including other potential witnesses or suspects. You may need to consider the value of a follow-up interview and how you can best prepare for this. The evaluation stage is also an opportunity to reflect on your own performance. This includes not only critiquing areas that did not go well and would benefit from attention but taking pride in what worked and what you will continue to do. Such evaluations are improved when you have access to a skilled third-party assessment whose feedback can be built into your professional development plan and personal goal setting. Page 28 ► A brief introduction to investigative interviewing