The document discusses the steps and standards for conducting effective investigations and interviews. It outlines that investigations aim to determine if a complaint merits criticism, by contacting the respondent, collecting relevant information, and obtaining a legally sound confession. Effective interviews require empathy, strong communication skills, and professionalism. Standards include conducting interviews in a private, undisturbed location with enough allocated time and an optional witness. Thorough preparation is key, with investigators mastering the case details and having documentation organized for reference. After, interviews are evaluated on achieving objectives and considering additional areas to address.

1. Investigative SkillsM D Mfune

3. INVESTIGATIONLEARNING OUTCOMESPurpose of an investigation

4. Steps to follow

5. Aim of investigation interviews

6. Criteria for Interviews

7. Interview standards PurposeTo determine whether a complaint contains sufficient reasons for criticism of responding authority.Steps to undertake in InvestigationTo contact the responding organ or person (principle of natural justice) that that the respondent is entitled to know the nature of the complaint against him/her and be given a chance to be heard.The next step would be to ask for a personal meeting or simply go to the premises of the responding organ to collect relevant information.Investigation InterviewsAimTo obtain a confession, legally and ethically, that will stand up to scrutiny in court.CriteriaEmpathy

8. Communication skills

9. ProfessionalismEmpathyEmpathy is the capacity for participating in another’s feelings. Investigations who use empathy can more readily identify with another person.

10. They can see things through another’s eye.An interview is a conversation between two human beings.

11. The subject and interviewer are on an equal footing.Communication skills: These include:-Fluency

12. Absence of inappropriate pauses, not disclosing inappropriate information, absence of distracting gesture and movements.Good communication skills are probably the most important trait for a good viewer, and are key to successful interviewWhen people communicate they use more than words:- tone, volume, articulation and pauses, gestures, hand, eyes, head movement are important parts of para-verbal communication

13. ProfessionalismThe core of interview is communication, but how the interviewer presents oneself to the subject is the first communication that occurs.# the way one is dressed up# start the conversation with a hand shake# Avoid judgmental words# Pay attention to all details in the confession and statement obtained.

14. Interview standardsLocationPreferably a private office or designated interview room would be convenient.Make every attempt to minimise distractions

16. Interview standards2. PrivacyPlace a“DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door just as we do with normal interviews.Remember every person has a right to privacy and confidentiality.

17. Interview standards3. TimeThe investigator must budget enough time for the interview at least four hours.

18. Interview standards4. WitnessIt may be necessary to have witness to an interview (T.L ‘s case)If an interviewer is meeting someone of opposite sex, having a witness of the same gender as the subject is a good idea

19. Another reason for a witness is training.New interviewer observes the experienced interviewer.The witness should be told that their role is to sit quietly and observe the conversation and the behaviour of both the interviewer and subject.

21. Interview standards 5. PreparationThe single most important aspect to successful concluding an interview is case preparation.# The interviewer have a masterly of the investigation# Investigation files (documents) should be near and organised

22. # The interviewer cannot afford to look confused or lost when referencing evidence in the file# The investigator’s note should briefly explain each piece of evidence and its significance so that it can be quickly referenced during the interview

23. Interview standardsEvaluateWhether the objectives of the interview were achievedReview the information obtained along with that already available.Special consideration should be given to the following: