Course Title: Cognitive (Witness) Interviewing Skills

Duration:3 days

Dates:

13.03.12 - 15.03.12

Costs: £1,375.00

Course Overview

Witness evidence is vital and common to all investigations; the depth of detail obtained can make a significant difference to the final outcome of the case. Suitable for auditors, insurance and bank inspectors, compliance officers, systems analysts and personnel officers involved in protracted information-gathering interviews.

The course provides proven methods to help interviewers get a clearer 'picture' of what interviewees saw, said, or did. It also imparts knowledge and interview skills especially about memory, interview structure and how to get far more accurate information than the witness believed possible. Research has shown that over 50% more information can be obtained by using the Cognitive Interview method. Practitioners however believe that it is far higher and this model is standard training in the U.S. and UK police and is increasingly being used successfully by investigators in the private sector.

Who should attend?

The cognitive interviewing course is suitable for anyone engaged in interviewing willing, co-operative witnesses, victims and occasionally suspects of criminal or fraudulent activities.

Course outline

• Analysis of interview limitations and how we deal with information
• Explanation of how genuine memory works relevant to Cognitive Interviewing
• Conversation skills- getting others to talk more or less!
• Understand and manage non-verbal communication
• Advanced levels of listening and questioning skills
• Practical role-play interview scenarios with supportive feedback
• Effective note taking process

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course delegates will be able to explain and demonstrate:

• The core skills of Cognitive Interviewing
• How memory works and the processes of memory
• Relevant elements and limitations of non-verbal communication
• High levels of listening and questioning skills
• The processes of rapport building and interviewee limitations
• Practical application of skills learnt to a live Cognitive Interviews
• An analytical system of interview note taking

Business Outcomes

• High levels of knowledge and skills raise the effectiveness levels of interviewers - saving time and reducing staff costs
• Raising staff confidence levels, leading to increased job satisfaction and higher employee engagement levels
• The ability to obtain increased levels of detailed information increases convictions in court or disciplinary actions
• Raised levels of confidence and accuracy from witnesses and victims
• Better fraud prevention and increased levels of detection lead to the reduction of losses and a strong control environment

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