Effective Interviewing

2. What are effective techniques (such as establishing rapport and/or eliminating distractions) for interviewing a person within the criminal justice system? How do these techniques affect overall communication within the criminal justice system?

According to Wallace & Roberson, “three general questioning techniques are usually used: free narrative, direct questioning, and testing-type questioning” (p. 156). When interviewing a person within the criminal justice system I would lean towards the direct. The person is not going to be as open as an average citizen because they’ve been trained in regards to questioning. They know what to expect and they will sometimes only tell you what they want you to know. So the interviewee needs to do their homework and word their questions just so to obtain the answers they need.

Building a rapport seems important when questioning this type of individual because that can break down some barriers and walls that they may not even be aware that they have because they are so conditioned to keep things in and quiet. Talking about personal things, getting to know them better, finding common ground or interest. Speaking about family can usually get someone to soften up.

In the preparation stage, the interviewee can minimize distractions by selecting a private location when possible. Otherwise, sitting closer to one another and maintaining constant eye contact can help keep them focused on the interview.

When used, these techniques can be very effective. The problem is there’s not enough man power to provide these type of details and attention. Most things are rushed and it ends up being low quality work.

Reference:

Wallace, H., & Roberson, C. (2009). Written and Interpersonal Communication: Methods for Law Enforcement (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice