Part III Investigative interviewing | Section III Setting up the interview Why two interviewers? It has become best practice across the globe to have two investigators involved in conducting interviews. This has long been the case in the criminal investigative world but it is now the “gold standard” in many administrative and regulatory investigations. It makes practical sense. One investigator can concentrate on actively listening to the answers. They can focus fully on the interviewee, ensuring they feel heard and building rapport. The other investigator can look after all the other things. It is efficient and effective. Why not three interviewers? Three persons on the other side of the interview table may be intimidating to the witness. A witness who feels intimidated is less likely to talk openly. It also increases the chances of an interviewer interrupting while the interviewee is in full flow. Three investigators is also not a good use of limited resources. It may send the message that the NHRI is profligate, particularly if the cost of conducting interviews in the field is an issue. 3. WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DOES EACH INTERVIEWER HAVE? The lead interviewer The lead interviewer should cover the introduction, provide background information, ask the opening question and focus fully on the response. Once the opening question is answered, they should then ask any specific questions that have not been dealt with in the opening monologue. The second interviewer The second interviewer should make dot point notes of what the witness is saying, write down any new questions that arise as the witness responds, watch body language and nod and smile. They should say absolutely nothing until the lead interviewer has finished asking specific questions. Then the roles reverse. The second interviewer should then ask any questions that have not already been asked, including clarification of any answers given, if required. 4. GETTING ORGANIZED Any exhibits, such as photographs or documents, should be organized before the interview starts and they should be in the order they are likely to be produced for the interviewee. Original documents should never be taken into an interview in case they are deliberately destroyed by the interviewee. If a video camera is available and is to be used, it is sensible to make sure it works (including the audio) and, if possible, actually records everyone in the room. Always use a digital voice recorder (DVR) in addition to the video camera.41 If the interview is only being digitally voice recorded, test the DVR. Then test it again. Use two, just in case. Make sure there are spare batteries. If a video will be played during the course of the interview, make sure the equipment works and there is someone who knows how to use it. If the interview is likely to involve a discussion about a series of events over a period of time, a calendar should be available. If diagrams or maps are to be used, they should be ready and to hand. 41 As discussed in Chapter 18, recording without consent is a criminal offence in some jurisdictions. Make sure there is always informed consent by the interviewee to digitally voice record the interview. Chapter 13: Organizing the interview | 79