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JST313 Investigative Interviewing (8)

Abstract

This subject examines interviewing as an investigative tool. The subject looks back at a number of miscarriages of justice which have served to shape contemporary interviewing models in use today.  With a focus on memory and the factors that affect the reliability of evidence gained from vulnerable witnesses and other interviewees, the subject looks at the investigative interviewing core skills required to secure quality accounts from interviewees in an ethical and professional manner.  Practically, the subject explores the ‘PEACE’ model framework of investigative interviewing and looks at how the ‘Free Recall’ and ‘Conversation Management’ styles of interviewing can be used in interviews with witnesses, victims and suspects.  Finally, the subject looks closely at how interviews with suspects can be enhanced through tactical planning and the strategic use of evidence. 

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Distance*Manly Campus
Session 2
DistanceManly Campus
*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.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLAustralian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Enrolment restrictions

Students must be enrolled in any of the courses served by this subject and/or possess appropriate occupational experience or interviewing experience.  

Learning Outcomes

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.

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.