CJ 217 Interviewing and Interrogation in Criminal Justice

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Focuses on becoming a knowledgeable interviewer and interrogator. Introduces multiple interviewing and interrogation technique used in Law Enforcement. Includes a brief review of constitutional constraints and professional ethics specific to interviewing and/or interrogation of suspects, witnesses, complainants, and victims. Covers interview and interrogation objectives, preparation, approaches, and technical aids. Presents the importance of listening and documentation. Includes practical scenarios/role playing.

Prerequisite: CJ 103 with criminal history clearance; or current professional in the field; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify the objectives of interviewing and interrogation.
Relate the similarities and differences between interviews and interrogations.
Describe qualifications of interviewers and interrogators.
List common factors that limit the ability to recall an event or identify a suspect.
Describe technological aids commonly used when interviewing and interrogating.
Explain common deceptive behaviors.
Identify the importance of constitutional and ethical constraints when interviewing and interrogating.
Describe listening factors as they relate to accurate documentation.

Content Outline

Objectives of Interviewing/Interrogating
Similarities and Differences in Interviewing/Interrogation
Qualifications of Interviewers and Interrogators
Time, Place, and Setting of the Interview/Interrogation
Preparation for the Interview or Interrogation
- The witness
- The offense
- The victim
- The suspect
Witnesses: Motivations, Perceptions and Barriers
- Juvenile/parents
- The witness
- The offense
- The victim
- The suspect
The Reliability of Eyewitness Identification
Interviewing/Interrogation Techniques
Pre-Interrogation Legal Requirements
- Miranda
- Suspect’s response waiver and alternatives
In-Custody Interrogation
Interrogation Approaches
- Establishing rapport
- Room location, appearance, and security
- Composing and asking questions
- Recognizing and coping with deception
- Importance of Body Language
- Statement analysis
Technological Aids
The Importance of Listening
Documentation of the Interview/Interrogation
Admissibility of Confessions and Admissions
The free and voluntary rule