GUIDELINE FOR CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS WITH WITNESSES

The following guidelines should be adhered to:

 Listen more and talk less

 Do not interrupt unnecessarily
 Investigators should not dominate the interview
 If the person being interviewed is not at ease with the language of the
interviewer, use a translator
 Ask follow-up questions on answers or statements – the aim is to verify
what has been said and to ensure that the line of thought gives a complete
picture
 Ask exploring and not leading questions, for example, “What happened
then?” rather than “Did David then put it on the shelf?”
 Interviewees must not be forced in the direction the interviewer wants
 Ensure that interviewees are focused on the topic of the interview. If
interviewees deviate, lead them back to the topic in a very subtle way
(unless they can explain why they think the deviation is important to the
incident)
 Share your own experiences with the person where appropriate. This
practice will put the person at ease, and improve communication between
the two parties
 Follow your own instinct
 Accept and bare periods of silence; this will give the interviewee a chance to
think and get their line of thinking in order
 Repeat the person’s answers to ensure that the correct meaning and
interpretation is received. This will also assure the person that the
investigator understands what has been said. Confidence and trust in the
interviewer is increased. This is also an opportunity to verify any
misunderstandings and misinterpretations
 End the interview on a positive note, thanking each person for their time,
effort and part in the process
 Give feedback to them once the results of the investigation are available.
This will ensure understanding and motivation for future co-operation