JST313 Investigative Interviewing (8)

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 persons of interest can be enhanced through tactical planning and the strategic use of evidence.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian 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 evaluate the move from traditional investigative interviewing methods to contemporary interviewing models, having regard to vulnerable interviewees, the fragility of memory and the cognitive interviewing principles;
  • be able to compare and contrast the move from the traditional investigative interviewing methods to contemporary interviewing models, having regard to persons of interest and the strategic and tactical use of evidence;
  • be able to apply investigative interviewing theory using contemporary models and frameworks, to ethically gain accurate and reliable interview accounts from complainants, witnesses or persons of interest; and
  • be able to demonstrate the communication literacies and digital skills required of a competent criminal justice practitioner.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • 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
  • Preparation and planning
  • Engagement and explanation
  • Appropriate interviewing skills
  • Closure and evaluation

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of JST313 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Assessment item 1
50
2
Assessment item 2
25
3
Assessment item 3
25

Residential School

This subject contains a 2 day Optional Residential School.

 

 

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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