Note: This course was originally a module of the 'Investigative Communication' course that was first released in October 2004. 'Investigative Communication' has now been re-organized into three separate short courses: The Theory of Truth and Deception, The Theory of Communication and Memory, and Interviewing.

The interview is one of the most important parts of an investigation. With the right communication and interviewing skills, an investigator can extract information from even the most uncooperative subjects.

This course examines the various stages of a structured investigative interview and how to effectively communicate within each stage to get the information needed to proceed with a full investigation. It is also designed to build skills around investigating alibis and the difficult task of interviewing children.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and guidelines of a structured investigative interview.
• Explain the importance of preparing for an interview.
• Explain how to properly begin an interview.
• Identify ways to encourage free narrative during an interview.
• Identify techniques that can be used to help enhance memory retrieval during an interview.
• Determine specific questions to ask a subject when clarification is necessary.
• Determine when an interrogation should follow an interview.
• Explain how to properly conclude an interview.
• Determine if any follow-up action to an interview is necessary.
• Explain how to properly investigate an alibi.
• Explain how to properly interview a child.

Subject Matter Experts

Content for this course was developed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. For additional details, please view the Course Training Standard.

Course Details

Content Provider: RCMP Price: $50.00 + GST Languages: English and French Course Duration: 2 hours Release Date: February 15, 2008 Date of Last Revision/Review: May 2008