DEFIN005A
Conduct interrogation on military operations

This unit covers the competency required to conduct interrogation while serving in an operational environment.

Application

This unit of competency will only be used by a specialist interrogator. The duties of an interrogator will be conducted during military operations working to the direction of an interrogation commander.

Interrogation is the systematic extraction of information from a detainee which differs from tactical questioning as it involves a range of information gathering methods and techniques over time.

The person who is interrogated will be detained; the process of handling detainees is not covered by this unit.


Prerequisites

DEFIN004A Conduct tactical questioning on operations


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for interrogation

1.1 Instructions to conduct an interrogation are received and details are confirmed with supervisor

1.2 Detainee history and background is researched to develop lines of questioning in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Detainee is assessed to determine interrogation method

1.4 Interrogation plan is developed in accordance with organisational requirements

1.5 Interrogation plan is approved by supervisor

1.6 Support staff are briefed on their role during the interrogation

1.7 Interrogation area is prepared according to organisational requirements

2. Conduct interrogation

2.1 Detainee is searched in accordance with interrogation plan and organisational requirements

2.2 Appropriate atmosphere is created and maintained in accordance with interrogation plan

2.3 Questions are asked of the detainee in accordance with interrogation plan

2.4 Line of questioning is developed according to verbal and non-verbal responses

2.5 Assessment of detainee's demeanour is continually monitored and appropriate action is taken

2.6 Situations requiring assistance are identified and support is promptly requested

2.7 Legal requirements are identified and applied during activity

2.8 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and safety precautions are applied throughout activity

3. Finalise interrogation

3.1 Interrogation support staff are consulted to determine detainee's personality type

3.2 Interrogation documentation is completed in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3 Supervisor is briefed on interrogation activity in accordance with organisational procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

conduct briefings and debriefings

interview detainees

listen effectively

take notes

operate monitoring and recording equipment

plan effectively

undertake written and oral questioning

write reports

Required Knowledge

behavioural skills

categories of detainees

character and/or personality types

cultural understanding within area of operations

cultural differences and awareness

detainee handling

human behavioural patterns

interrogation methods and techniques

legal aspects of interrogation

levels of cooperation of detainees

principles of searching

prisoner of war handling

roles of interpreters

searching techniques and procedures

sequence of orders

shock of capture

types and purpose of orders

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to correctly compile an interrogation plan that will be used during the interrogation process, and to compile an interrogation report to brief support staff on the outcomes of the activity.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and should be observed in a range of simulated work contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed during an activity or over time within a range of contexts involving simulated and scenario based type assessment activities.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

detainees

interpreter

interrogation centre with support staff

supervisors

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment will be based on observations, questioning and/or evidence sourced from an exercise or workplace.


Range Statement

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.

Detainee may include:

Criminal suspect

Displaced person

Prisoner of war

Security suspect

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Quality Training Framework

Australian Standards

Defence instructions

Doctrine pamphlets

Industry practices

Job guides and other publications

Maintenance schedules

Manufacturers' specifications, procedures and technical instructions

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and regulations

Organisational instructions and journals

Organisational policies and procedures

Quality control

Regulatory requirements

Relevant local government by-laws

Routine orders

Security instructions and procedures

Standard Operating Procedures

Standing orders

Workplace agreements

Written and verbal orders

Assessing the detainee may include:

General appearance

History

Identity

Medical condition

Resistance to interrogation

Interrogation plan may include:

Detainee's condition

Duration

Guard duties

Identity of detainee

Lines of questioning

Methods and techniques

Rehearsals

Session objectives

Session location

Support staff requirements

Timelines

Organisational requirements may include:

Communications requirements

Detainee handling

Interrogation process

Layout and construction of an interrogation cell

Security requirements

Tactical questioning

Support staff may include:

Guard commander

Guards

Interpreters

Police

Questioner

Shift commander

Supervisors

Appropriate atmosphere may include:

Isolation

Security

Segregation

Shock of capture

Silence

Strictness

Detainee's demeanour may include:

Behaviour patterns

Body language

Escape mechanisms

Personality indicators

Physical factors

Psychological conditions

Psychological defence mechanisms

Psychological escape mechanisms

Psychological pressure

Physiological conditions

Legal requirements may include:

Geneva conventions and protocols

International laws

Laws of Armed Conflict

National laws

Rules of Engagement

State/territory laws

Interrogation documentation may include:

Brief to guards

Detainee file

Detainee's mental condition

Detainee's physical condition

Guard log

Interrogation plan

Interrogation report

Session data


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.