Part III Investigative interviewing | Section I Who to interview and how to interview them Chapter 7: Types of interview KEY QUESTIONS • What methods of interviewing should be considered? • What considerations should be taken into account when selecting the most appropriate interviewing method for any particular situation? 1. INTRODUCTION In selecting the most appropriate method of interviewing to meet a given situation, investigators generally have the following options: • face-to-face • Skype • telephone • written questions • e-mail • questionnaires and surveys. Each of these approaches is discussed in this chapter. 2. FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS Face-to-face interviews are generally the best method, especially if the person being interviewed is likely to have crucial evidence. However, issues such as geography, availability, cost, barriers to access or lack of cooperation may affect or limit whether a face-to-face interview can be conducted. The advantages of face-to-face interviews include: • questions and answers are free-flowing and in real time • new issues that come up can be addressed immediately • the investigator is better able to keep control of the process • the identity of the interviewee is more likely to be assured • the investigator has a better opportunity to assess the credibility of the interviewee than using any of the other methods • the investigator can view and record any physical evidence, such as any injury to the interviewee • the investigator can revise the question areas as the interview proceeds • documentary and physical evidence, such as video records or photographs, can be produced and examined • it can be more difficult for an interviewee to be evasive or deceptive • it demonstrates the professionalism and thoroughness of the investigation • it may help build rapport between the investigator and the interviewee, particularly if thought has been put into determining the best interviewer for the circumstances and the interviewee. Chapter 7: Types of interview | 49