The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. |
Type of interviewee may include: | Adult Child Complainant Cooperative From a culturally diverse background Intimidated Suspect Uncooperative Vulnerable Witness |
Interview plan: | May be formal May be informal Provides a framework to base the line of questioning within an interview Should be adaptable to change as required Should consider interview aim, topics to be covered, points to prove or possible defences (where applicable), known evidence and exhibits to potentially use during the interview |
Organisational requirements may include: | Organisational policies and procedures relating to: interviewing investigations taking statements obtaining physical evidence |
Interview venue may include: | Field (public places, street, car, private dwellings) Police station |
Information relevant to the interviews may include: | All information about the person being interviewed and the matter under investigation |
Points of proof may include: | Admissibility Corroboration Criminal intent Elements Evidence |
Recording methods may include: | Audio Hand written Type written Video and audio |
Exhibits may include: | Relevant documentary and/or physical materials gained as a result of investigations |
Interview strategies may vary but may require consideration of: | Avoidance of cross-examinations Exclusion of leading questions Location Method (direct questioning, empathetic questioning) Person being interviewed Strategies for developing rapport Timing |
Assisting interviewer may be: | Aide or assistant to the interviewer who may or may not be part of the same organisation as the interviewer but is impartial and is not a subject of the investigation |
Condition may include: | Age Behaviour Intoxication (alcohol or drugs) Mental health Physical injury |
Competence provides for: | Ability of the interviewee to: take part in the interviewee understand the nature of the interview understand the questioning within the interview |
Interviewee's status may include: | Age Disability Ethnicity Gender Race |
Safeguards may include: | Any requirements as imposed by legislation, policies or procedures that affect the methods or manner of the interview, such as the right to silence or the presence of a legal representative or other support person |
Allegations of unethical behaviour may include: | Acts of misconduct Coercion Disregard for standard operating procedures (SOPs) Duress Inducements Legislative requirements Physical abuse Promises Threats Unfair representation |
Interview techniques and communication methods may include: | Avoiding interruptions Clarification of responses Cognitive interviewing (including free recall) Conversation management Conversational style Echoing Free recall Maintaining control Open questioning Pausing Probing Verbal and non-verbal communication |
Changing circumstances may include: | Allegations of misconduct Demeanour of interviewee Equipment failure Information disclosed Interviewee request Refusal to answer questions |
Closing the interview may include: | Complying with legislation, policy or procedure Considering if interview aims as determined in the interview plan have been achieved Considering if the interviewee has provided all the information that they are able and willing to provide Determining that all intended questions are covered Explaining to interviewee any requirements following the interview Where appropriate, providing copies of statements or recordings |
Further action may include: | Arrest Bail Charge Further investigation No further action Release |
Own performance during an interview may be evaluated by: | Considering the effectiveness of the interview in terms of planning and preparing for the interview, conducting the interview, and reflecting upon: what was done well what could have been done better what areas can be developed how to acquire these skills |
Characteristics, responses and behaviour of interviewees may be influenced by: | Age Demeanour Disability Dress Ethnicity Gender Non-verbal responses to questions Race |
Special arrangements, requests and activities may include: | Medical attention Refreshments Seeing superiors Telephone calls Toilet breaks Visitors |
Post-interview procedures may include: | Explaining future process to complainants and witnesses Processing of offender Tape management security Tape transcription where applicable, copy of tape or statement to interviewee |