POLINV004
Conduct investigative interviews


Application

This unit describes the skills required to complete investigative interviews with diverse participants, including the planning, conducting and recording of interviews.

This unit applies to those working as police officers, generally in a designated investigation role, to obtain complete, accurate and reliable information related to investigations.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interview techniques, recording processes, and codes of conduct.

Those undertaking this unit would demonstrate strong autonomy, accessing and evaluating support from a broad range of services. They would be required to possess strong decision making and problem solving skills, investigative interviewing abilities and robust interpersonal skills. They also require complex task organisation and analysis skills in broad and unpredictable contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Plan interviews

1.1 Select interview approach in accordance with purpose of interview and individual being interviewed.

1.2 Analyse information and exhibits relevant to the interview to inform interview plan.

1.3 Identify elements of offences and defences to inform interview plan.

1.4 Identify evidence, exhibits and resources required to conduct interview.

1.5 Draft interview plan to achieve investigative objectives.

2. Conduct interview

2.1 Brief stakeholders on roles and responsibilities during interview.

2.2 Implement interview plan.

2.3 Assess information obtained continually to identify impact on interview and investigation.

2.4 Manage exhibits to support interview process and ensure continuity and integrity of evidence.

2.5 Confirm information gathered during interviews with interviewees to ensure accurate understanding.

2.6 Record characteristics, responses and behaviour of interviewees during interviews.

2.7 Adjust recording method in accordance with changing circumstances and factors.

3. Use interview techniques

3.1 Establish rapport with interviewees to facilitate flow of information.

3.2 Employ a range of interview techniques and communication methods to engage interviewees.

3.3 Modify interview strategies to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.

3.4 Negate defences raised during interviews.

3.5 Engage internal/specialist resources to support interview process.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

assessing health, welfare and competency of interviewee to determine fairness of interview

developing interview plan that accounts for evidence, exhibits, resources, elements of offence and potential defences

communicating with stakeholders and interviewee to develop common understanding

analysing information and behaviour

demonstrating flexibility in interview process

handling exhibits

applying investigative interview techniques to gather information and negate defences

finalising interview process completing notes and records in accordance with jurisdictional procedures


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

jurisdictional strategic objectives

recording methods and operating procedures of recording equipment

government and policy environments within which interviews will be managed and factors that may impact on interviews

relationship between intelligence and interviewing

interview techniques and points of proof

legal and ethical considerations in conducting interviews that involve vulnerable persons

post-interview procedures

jurisdictional policies and procedures related to the use of interpreters, post-interview actions, security, statement collection and interview conduct

awareness of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity

human source management, process and procedures

information disclosure requirements


Assessment Conditions

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Consideration must be given to practical assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.


Competency Field

Investigation