JST313 Investigative Interviewing (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Justice Studies (JUSTU)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject examines interviewing as an investigative tool. From a theoretical perspective, the subject looks at memory, and the factors which affect the reliability of eyewitness evidence. It looks closely at interviewing children and vulnerable people. It also considers the ethical and legal matters such as a suspect's fundamental right to silence and those judicial decisions which impact upon police interviewing practise. Practically, it explores the model of "investigative interviewing", which incorporates two techniques, Cognitive Interviewing and Conversation Management. This model is used by police in the United Kingdom and New South Wales.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Goulburn | Session 2 |
| Distance * | Goulburn |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JST313
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Students must be enrolled in any of the courses served by this subject and/or possess appropriate occupational experience or interviewing experience. Practical experience with the use of Electronically Recorded Interviews with Suspected Persons (ERISP) or similar method (Investigators).
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the ethical and legal issues which impact upon the police interviewing of suspects
- be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the legal and ethical considerations of interviewing which impact upon fairness and the admissibility of interview evidence
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical base of "investigative interviewing" and to contrast the "investigative interview" with more traditional models of interviewing practice, e.g. the accusatory model
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the difficulties involved with eliciting accurate information from people, and the social/psychological forces which impact upon both the interviewer and the interviewee
- be able to demonstrate a sound theoretical and working knowledge of both the cognitive interviewing and management of conversation techniques
- be able to demonstrate that they can effectively apply the investigative interviewing model in practical situations
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
At a theoretical level:
- Stages and types of memory
- Ethical issues which impact upon interviewing practice
- Legal issues relating to the admissibility of evidence
- Social and psychological factors relative to interviewing
- Interviewing techniques
- Reliability of eye witness evidence
- Cognitive interviewing
- Management of conversation
- Victims, Witnesses and Suspects
- Factors that affect eyewitness testimony
At a practical level -
- Preparation and planning
- Engagement and explanation
- Appropriate interviewing skills
- Closure and evaluation
Residential School
This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.
Two day residential school to demonstrate and assess the use of the interviewing models.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.