Interviewing Techniques for Accident Investigators

Course structure

What you will learn

• Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying interviewing theories, including memory theory and psychological factors affecting witness recall, and biases and heuristics of both witnesses and investigators.
• Describe and critically assess the most appropriate interview technique(s) to be adopted during an accident safety investigation to ensure the effective gathering of witness evidence, including cognitive/non-cognitive interview techniques.
• Develop an appropriate and effective interview strategy and plan to ensure the efficacy of the interview and optimise the gathering of the available information.
• Conduct an effective witness interview with regard to the selection of the most appropriate interview methodology, the welfare of the witness, the quality of the evidence collected and the accuracy of note taking.
• Develop an awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct an effective self-critique of the interview process to ensure continuous performance improvement.

Core content

• Refresher of the fundamentals of investigative interviewing:
• Basic principles of investigative interviewing.
• Basic interviewing models:
  • Conversation Management.
  • Conducting a PEACE interview.
  • Use of different questioning techniques.
  • Fundamentals of cognitive interviewing.
    • Basic theory of memory and recall.
• Enhanced theory of investigative interviewing
  • Enhanced theory of memory and psychology.
  • SE3R methodology for managing and recording interviews.
  • Introduction to concept of enhanced cognitive interviewing.
  • Biases and heuristics – investigator and witnesses.
    • Introduction to non-cognitive interview techniques.
• Preparation for the interview
  • Assessment of witnesses’ emotional and psychological state.
  • Awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them.
  • Consideration of cultural, religious, social factors that may have an effect on the witness interview.
  • Strategies for planning and structuring different interviews.
    • Identification of the most appropriate interview technique.
• Conducting the interview
  • Management of the initial phases of the interview.
  • Implementation of the appropriate interviewing model in accordance with the interview strategy/plan.
  • Adopting a strategy for recording witness evidence.
  • Introduction to strategies for dealing with challenging/difficult witnesses, including obstructive and inappropriate behaviour.
  • Identifying and employing appropriate challenge techniques.
  • Dealing with other third party attendees at the interview, e.g. legal and trade union representatives, friends/family.
    • Effective interview closure strategies.
• Post-interview phase
  • Recording and summarising of the interview information.
    • Strategies for conducting an effective self-critique of the interview process.

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Who should attend

All those involved in the investigation of accidents and likely to be involved in the interviewing of witnesses.

The course will have an emphasis on the safety investigation of transport accidents. Its content will also be equally applicable to investigative interviewing for other safety critical domains and high reliability organisations, such as healthcare, process industries, and energy utilities.

Speakers

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

Location address