Undertaking Effective Investigations A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions THE MULRUNJI CASE WATCHING THE VIDEO EVIDENCE S/Sgt. Hurley was allowed to be present when the QPS investigators watched the video from the cell for the first time, at about 3.45pm on the day of Mulrunji’s death. There is some evidence that S/Sgt. Hurley may have watched it previously. 9. TIPS FOR BEGINNING THE INTERVIEW Build on any rapport that has been developed The investigator should try to build on any rapport that has been developed in any previous contact with the witness, or to develop it if there has not been any direct contact with the person previously. Make use of any information you have been able to gather, for example through an Internet search. If you know the person has a particular interest, casually bring that interest into the conversation. Put yourself at ease The investigator should do whatever they need to do in order to feel at ease before the interview begins. A relaxed manner will usually be reflected in the quality of the interview. Look for visual information The investigator should look at the witness for visual information that may be relevant. Do they wear glasses, have a hearing aid or have any visible injury? Are they wearing anything that indicates an affiliation with an organization? Explain the interview process Reinforce what the interviewee has already been told during initial contact. Repeat the personal introduction and explain again the purpose of the investigation, the role of the NHRI and why it is important to get the interviewee’s account of what happened. Tell the interviewee beforehand how the interview will be structured. Encourage them to be as detailed as possible – even if that detail may seem unimportant – and, if at all possible, ask the witness to go through what happened in chronological order. Finally, keep the tone relaxed and friendly. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 13 • Ideally there should be two interviewers, one to lead the interview and one to support. • The lead interviewer should have relevant knowledge, expertise and status. • All documents should be organized before the interview starts, as well as any equipment, video recordings or notes that may be used during the interview. • The interviewer should dress appropriately and consideration should be given to seating arrangements and the physical set-up of the interview room. • Interviews should take no more than three hours or so. Include time for breaks if it is necessary for the interview to be longer. 82