Part III Investigative interviewing | Section I Who to interview and how to interview them Chapter 8: Factors affecting which types of interview to choose KEY QUESTIONS • What criteria should be used to decide which type of interview method is most appropriate? There are many factors to consider when thinking about which type of interview method will work best in the different circumstances that the NHRI will encounter. Safety Investigator and interviewee safety is always the most important consideration when deciding what type of interview method to use. Conduct a risk assessment when deciding whether a face-to-face interview is necessary. Identify if there are any safety issues that relate to the interviewee and/or the environment in which the interview will be conducted. Chapter 31 includes practical guidance on gender mainstreaming investigation risk assessments and staff safety and aftercare. Importance of the evidence If a witness is particularly important to the investigation, a face-to-face interview should be conducted if at all possible. For example, if that witness is a key decision maker – such as senior official solely responsible for approving a policy or procedure that is the subject of the investigation – then they alone can give evidence as to why that decision was made. Cost There are often costs associated with conducting face-to-face interviews, including travel to and from the place where the person is located, in the event that they cannot come to the NHRI. It may not be cost effective – or even possible – to conduct the interview in person, even though that may be the best option. Where cost is an issue, a cost-benefit analysis should be undertaken to establish whether or not the cost can be justified. Witness availability Is the witness available? They may be leaving the country or have other commitments. If so, a Skype or telephone interview may be an appropriate option. Concerns about credibility If there are evidence-based concerns about the credibility of a witness, that may be a factor in favour of conducting an interview in person. Face-to-face interviews can provide greater opportunities to accurately assess that person’s credibility, as opposed to other interview methods. Body language and other methods of credibility assessment are discussed in Chapter 19. Chapter 8: Factors affecting which interview type to choose | 55