Preparing for the Interview

Prepare yourself adequately to conduct an _interview. This preparation is sometimes hasty, consisting of no more than a mental review of your knowledge of the case or of a quick briefing by the investigator who arrived first at the crime scene. When time permits, a more formal preparation is made. Preparation includes the following three elements.

FAMILIARITY WITH THE CASE.- You should fix in your mind all that is known of the who, what, when, where, and how of the crime. Pay particular attention to the specific details, especially those that have not become public knowledge.

FAMILIARITY WITH THE SUBJECT'S BACKGROUND.- Acquire some background knowledge of the subject before attempting to interview him or her. In the event this is impossible, attempt to obtain the background information during the initial _{portion of the interview.} This knowledge will enable you to adopt a correct approach to the subject and to extract a maximum amount of valuable information from him or her. The actual knowledge will also enable you to test the subject's truthfulncss and to impress him or her with the thoroughness of the investigation. background facts of particular value include the following: . Age, place of birth, nationality, and race Q Present or former rank (with civilians, status in business or the community)

l Educational level, present duty, and former occupation . Habits and associates; how and where leisure time is spent . Information concerning any prior courts-martial or civilian court convictions

ESTIMATE OF INFORMATION SOUGHT.- Determine in advance, where possible, the information to be sought in the interview. Prepare a set of questions that you can consult unobtrusively during the interview. Design questions to induce the subject to tell his or her story rather than to elicit yes or no answers. Take care neither to overestimate nor underestimate the subject as a source of information.

Planning the Interview

A person is formally interviewed as soon as possible after the incident to obtain information still fresh in his or her mind, to prevent him or her from being threatened or coerced, or to prevent collaboration of testimony between him or her and others.

TIME OF INTERVIEW.- The time that is chosen must be convenient to both you and the subject and must allow adequate opportunity for a thorough interview. Improper scheduling will result in a rushed interview in which important details can be overlooked. If an interview is to take place in the home or place of business of the subject, give consideration to the time of day; generally, a time should be selected that will interfere least with the normal activities of the subject and will permit the completion of the interview.

Sometimes, to throw the subject off balance and thereby achieve an important psychological advantage, it is advisable to select a time that will completely disrupt the subject's normal activities. However, take great care to be sure such action does not result in either legal liability on the part of the military or unfavorable comment in the civilian community.

PLACE OF INTERVIEW.- You should make every effort to conduct the interview in a place where you have the psychological advantage. Decide on the basis of the facts in each case where you think your chances are best for encouraging the subject to talk. At times it is best to interview a subject among familiar surroundings, such as in his or her home or office, especially if visiting the investigator's office would impose an undue hardship on the subject or tend to disturb him or her unduly.

At other times it is best to hold an interview in your office or in some other place where the subject is deprived of the comfort or ease of familiar environment. At a regular place of interview, you can control the lighting and the physical features of the room and also be able to prevent destructing influences that may affect the subject's ability to conceal wanted information. For an interview with an informer witness whose identity has not been publicized, it is best to pick a place that will not attract attention to the subject.

Introduction and Identification

Introduce yourself courteously and make certain the subject is aware of your correct identity. Also make certain of the identity of the person before you.

A hasty introduction or an appearance of one at the beginning of the interview may cause an embarrassing situation or may make the subject think that his or her presence is of little importance and that the information he or her is able to give is of little value. A few minutes spent in a proper introduction gives you time in which to evaluate the subject and the approach you have selected; and the subject is given an opportunity to overcome any nervousness and get in a better frame of mind to answer questions.

When the introduction is completed, make a general statement about the case without disclosing any of the specific facts that have been developed.

If appropriate, warn the interviewee of his or her rights. The warning is required only where there is reason to believe that the interviewee is involved in the offense in question or that he or she may be involved in another offense, the investigation or prosecution of which may be jeopardized if the warning is not given.