This unit describes the skills required to conduct investigative interviews with diverse participants, including the planning, conducting and recording of interviews and undertaking the post-interview process.

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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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 in accordance with jurisdictional policies and procedures

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, as required

4

Undertake post-interview process

4.1

Record interview information for storage and archiving purposes

4.2

Review interview conducted for quality assurance purposes

4.3

Evaluate interview information to progress the investigation

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the POL Police Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Investigation