Forensic Interviewing Techniques

Forensic interviewing is a type of investigating most commonly used as Step 1 by child protective services. It's a fact-finding process to determine if the child has been abused. This process provides evidence that can be used during a criminal prosecution. The interview is performed by an individual specially trained in working with abuse cases.

Types of Techniques

• There are multiple ways to conduct forensic interviews. No single method has been endorsed by professionals in this field. The child cognitive interview, step-wise and narrative elaboration are some methods proved effective in memory recall. Interview techniques can be adapted for multiple age groups and different cultural backgrounds. Conductors of the interview are required to have specialized training obtained through course work, workshops, conferences or professional experiences.

Common Techniques

• Forensic interviews include some common basic elements. The initial step is to establish a relationship with the child. It is important that the child is comfortable before beginning questioning. Have the child describe a past experience not related to the abuse allegation. This allows you to determine how much detail the child is capable of providing. Establish upfront how important it is to be honest. Ask general open-ended questions about the interviews purpose. General questions will usually expose negative feelings toward the abuser and experience. Have the child provide a narrative of the event through words and pictures. Use specific questions to gain clarification of the experience. Conclude the interview with a neutral topic. This approach relaxes the child, and ends the interview on a positive note.

Other Interview Scenarios

• Forensic interviews are also conduced in situations unrelated to abuse allegations. These techniques can be applied during criminal interrogations. Interviewers use their skills to obtain legally admissible confessions from suspects. Certified fraud examiners have also been successful when utilizing forensic interviewing to detect embezzlement. These same techniques are used in human resource interviewing to determine potential candidates for employment.