Cognitive Model | Investigative Interviewing Training

Government

Cognitive Model - Witness Model

Cognitive Model - Witness Model

The aim of the Cognitive Model of Investigative Interviewing is to increase the quantity and quality of information elicited from anyone whether in person or over the phone. This focuses on any person who is providing an account of an incident or individuals who may be treated as a witness.

Studies show using the Cognitive Model you can gather an extra 40% more information off a witness. The Model will also quickly identify any inaccurate accounts provided as the individual would struggle to make up a story with the structure and detailed questions that will be asked by following the Model.

We will specifically design and tailor the Model for your Government Organisation in line with your current practices and legislation. The training packages are designed around the delivery of the structure and theory of the Cognitive Model and then to embed the Model each investigator has the chance to conduct a full interview.

The Model outlines how to keep the interview simple and is developed through the following phases:

Greet and personalise the Interview
– Establish Rapport
Explain the aims of the Interview
Initiate a free recall
– The first account of the witness
Questioning skills within the Model
Varied and Extensive retrieval of Information
– Parameter and Topic setting
Summary and Closure

Role Play

The interview role play scenarios enable the participant to demonstrate interview skills and encourage learning.The practice of actually doing the interview via video link enables the individual to utilise the model in realistic conditions, while the rest of the team assesses their colleague´s performance. The principles of adult learning and feedback from this training supports the view that individuals benefit from the action learning experience.

Training Documentation

A full debrief after each role play provides the individual with valuable feedback for development. A comprehensive debrief document will be prepared after the programme for each individual as a reference record of their performance and a DVD of their interview will highlight areas for development.

In line with current International best practice for quality control, further interviews conducted in the field will be assessed within a 6-12 month period to ensure staff are utilising the Model to attain a Tier 1 qualification and look to progress to the next level within the Tier structure.

Business Outcomes

High levels of knowledge and skills raise the effectiveness levels of interviewers – saving time and reducing staff costs
Raising staff confidence levels, leading to increased job satisfaction and higher employee engagement levels
The ability to obtain increased levels of detailed information develops
Raised levels of confidence and accuracy from witnesses and victims
More effective fraud prevention leading to increased levels of detection of offenders