CFE Interview Techniques & Communication 3

Question 1

During a forensic interview, a suspect suddenly becomes silent and crosses their arms after being asked about missing funds. What is the BEST initial response?

Accepted Answer

Allow silence to continue briefly without filling it

Answer

Strategic silence after a sensitive question can pressure the subject to fill the void and may elicit additional information or admissions.

Question 2

Which interviewing approach is specifically designed to minimize false confessions by focusing on evidence-based questioning rather than psychological pressure?

Accepted Answer

PEACE model

Answer

The PEACE model (Preparation, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluate) is a non-coercive, evidence-based framework developed to reduce false confessions.

Question 3

A CFE is interviewing a witness who provides excessive irrelevant detail. What technique helps refocus the interview while maintaining rapport?

Accepted Answer

Allow the witness to finish, then use a bridging statement

Answer

A bridging statement acknowledges what the witness said and smoothly transitions back to the relevant topic without damaging rapport.

Question 4

What is 'statement validity analysis' (SVA) used for in forensic interviews?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the credibility of a witness's statement through content criteria

Answer

SVA uses criteria-based content analysis (CBCA) to evaluate whether statement content is consistent with truthful accounts versus fabricated ones.

Question 5

During an interview, a subject's verbal account contradicts the physical evidence. Which technique should the CFE use FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Ask open-ended follow-up questions to explore the account further

Answer

Open-ended follow-up questions allow the subject to elaborate or reveal inconsistencies without prematurely revealing evidence or damaging the interview.

(CFE) Certified Forensic Examiner Practice Test

(CFE) Certified Forensic Examiner Practice Test

CFE Interview Techniques & Communication 3