The 10 Essential Steps for Successful Investigative Interviewing

The 10 Essential Steps for Successful Investigative Interviewing 

Professional investigative interviewing is a systematic process that requires meticulous
preparation, skilled execution, and thorough evaluation. Drawing from established
protocols and best practices, we present a 10-step framework that ensures effective,
ethical, and legally sound interviews.

The foundation of any successful interview lies in comprehensive case preparation. Review all available investigation materials, evidence, and documentation thoroughly. Develop multiple working hypotheses rather than pursuing a single theory. Consider the interview’s aims and objectives clearly, and analyse the interviewee’s background, including their rights and any particular needs they may have. 

This preparation phase is crucial for addressing all information needs, maintaining objectivity and ensuring you’re equipped to handle various scenarios that may arise during the interview process.  

Step 2: Physical Preparations 

Secure an optimal investigative interview location with minimal distractions and suitable conditions for effective communication. Ideally, the environment should be distraction-free yet comfortable, enabling clear dialogue without external interference. 

Summary

  • Comprehensive Preparation is Essential – Successful interviews require thorough case review, optimal physical setup with tested recording equipment, and mental readiness with multiple working hypotheses.
  • Build Trust Through Professional Engagement – Apply the HEAR principle (Honesty, Empathy, Autonomy, Reflection) to establish rapport, explain procedures clearly, and assess interviewee vulnerability and legal requirements.
  • Allow Free Narrative Before Probing – Let interviewees provide complete uninterrupted accounts using TED prompts (Tell, Explain, Describe), then systematically clarify using the 5WH framework (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How).
  • Evaluate and Reflect for Continuous Improvement – Assess whether interview objectives were met, analye your performance techniques, document lessons learned, and plan next investigative steps based on obtained information.

Make necessary arrangements for legal representation, interpreters, or support personnel as appropriate to the case. Test all recording equipment thoroughly – Davidhorn’s professional A/V recording systems ensure reliable documentation with multiple backup options, providing the support essential for evidential integrity. 

Step 3: Mental Preparations 

Maintain an open mind and analytical flexibility throughout the process. Consider alternative hypotheses to the evidence and anticipate different scenarios that may unfold. Show empathy and genuine interest in the interviewee’s situation. Mental preparation involves setting aside preconceptions and preparing to adapt your approach based on the interviewee’s responses and demeanour. 

This psychological readiness enables you to respond appropriately to unexpected developments whilst maintaining professional composure. 

Step 4: Engage and Explain 

Initiating Contact and Establishing Ground Rules. Apply the HEAR principle consistently: Honesty, Empathy, Autonomy, Reflection. This approach builds trust whilst maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring the interviewee feels respected throughout the process. Continuously assess interviewee vulnerability considering age, mental and physical health, trauma, and other risk factors. Implement appropriate legal safeguards and consider specialist involvement when necessary. Utilise communication aids to ensure effective dialogue throughout the process. 

At the beginning of an investigative interview, the interviewer should: 

  • Build rapport through empathy and respect. 
  • Assess the interviewee’s well-being to ensure they are fit for the interview. 
  • Clearly explain:
    • The case under investigation and the purpose of the interview. 
    • For suspects: the grounds for suspicion – explain what and why (without disclosing detailed evidence). 
    • For suspects: the right to legal counsel and the right to remain silent. 
    • All legal and practical procedures, including audio/video recording. 
    • That participation is voluntary (where applicable). 

Establish Ground Rules. The interviewer should then set the following expectations: 

  • Everything said matters – the interviewee should provide as much detail as possible, even if it seems minor (e.g., “describe my pen”). 
  • Don’t filter – report everything, even if it seems irrelevant or uncertain. 
  • Focus and effort – memory recall takes concentration and may be tiring. 
  • Open communication – the interviewee should feel free to: 
    • Ask if they don’t understand. 
    • Say if they don’t know.
    • Correct misunderstandings or raise concerns about leading/inappropriate questions.
  • Interview structure – outline the topics to be covered, timing, and planned breaks. 
  • Confirm understanding – ensure the interviewee grasps the information and how it applies. 

Rapport building isn’t about manipulation – it’s about creating an atmosphere where communication based on mutual respect and facts can occur. This foundation is crucial for establishing trust and obtaining reliable information. 

Step 5: First Account Phase  

Allow the interviewee to present their complete account without interruption. Exercise strategic patience and maintain control by carefully pacing and actively listening, rather than jumping into questioning. 

Use TEDS prompts (Tell, Explain, Describe, Show Me) to encourage detailed responses. Document PLATCOM elements systematically: People, Location, Actions, Times, Communication, Objects and Motives. This free narrative phase often reveals crucial information that targeted questioning might miss. Do not interrupt. Postpone your probing until the first account is entirely over.  

Listen to our podcast on Investigative Interviewing

Step 6: Active Listening Throughout   

Listen actively to understand the interviewee’s perspective and facilitate the flow of information. Use silence and non-verbal cues to demonstrate engagement. Note inconsistencies, gaps, and areas requiring clarification whilst maintaining supportive engagement. 

Step 7: Clarify and Disclose 

Systematically review new information, your interview objectives, address PLATCOM elements and address all unclear points and gaps before introducing evidence or new information. If applicable, present key information stepwise to test account accuracy whilst minimising memory contamination. 

Ensure comprehensive coverage using the 5WH framework: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How. This systematic approach ensures no crucial elements are overlooked. 

Step 8: Close and Inform 

Conclude the interview professionally by inviting the interviewee to provide additional information or ask questions. Clearly explain next steps, contact procedures, and timeline expectations. 

Express appreciation for their cooperation and end respectfully, regardless of case outcomes. This professional closure may prove valuable for future interactions. 

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Step 9: Evaluate Interview Outcomes 

After the interview, conduct a structured evaluation to determine whether the objectives were achieved. This includes: 

  • Assessing the quality and completeness of the information obtained in relation to the interview plan and investigative priorities. 
  • Identifying gaps, inconsistencies, or unanswered questions that may require clarification or follow-up. 
  • Evaluating the interviewee’s responses in light of known evidence and other case material. 

This step helps ensure that the interview contributes meaningfully to the investigation and highlights any immediate follow-up actions. 

Step 10: Reflect, Learn, and Plan Ahead 

Following the evaluation of the content, reflect critically on your own performance as an interviewer: 

  • Analyse your interview techniques – What worked well? What could have been done differently? 
  • Identify areas for improvement in planning, communication, question style, rapport-building, and adaptability. 
  • Document lessons learned to support your ongoing professional development and improve future interviews. 
  • Determine and plan next steps in the investigation, such as re-interviews, new lines of inquiry, or further evidence collection. 

This reflective phase ensures continuous learning and helps maintain high standards of investigative practice. 

Conclusion 

Successful investigative interviewing requires systematic preparation, skilled execution, and thorough evaluation. By following these 10 essential steps and maintaining focus on the core principles of Rapport, Empathy, Active Listening, and Professional Integrity, investigators can conduct interviews that are both effective and ethically sound. 

The investment in proper technique and equipment, including professional recording systems that ensure complete documentation, pays dividends in terms of case outcomes and legal admissibility. Remember: the quality of your interviews determines the quality of your investigations. 

Written by:

Marta Hopfer-Gilles

Fact checked by Ivar A Fahsing (PhD)  

Claude AI was used while creating this post