Undertaking Effective Investigations A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions Concerns about identity An investigator can be criticized for not establishing exactly whom it was that they were interviewing. For example, it can be difficult to determine the identity of an interviewee with complete certainty over the phone, by e-mail or by exchanging written questions and answers. Where identity is an issue, the investigator should consider conducting the interview face-to-face or by Skype. Concerns about the integrity of the process An investigator may have concerns that pressure is being put on the interviewee to say certain things. The more the interview environment is controlled by the investigator, the less opportunity there is for such pressure to be applied, at least directly and in real time. Face-to-face interviews provide the investigator with the greatest degree of control. Likely length of interview Longer interviews are usually best done face-to-face. Where the interviewer wants to show the interviewee something or get something from the interviewee If it is important to show an interview something, or to obtain something from them, then the face-toface interview method is usually the best option. In circumstances where the interviewee’s movement is limited Obviously the options are limited if the interviewee is in custody or otherwise unable to leave the place where they are located, perhaps through injury, physical impairment or disease. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 8 • While face-to-face is the preferred interview method, issues such as the importance of the evidence, its availability elsewhere, credibility, safety and cost have to be taken into account when making the decision. • In certain circumstances where the person to be interviewed cannot be physically present, there may be no alternative but to choose another interview method. 56