CFE Interviewing and Interrogation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the PEACE model of interviewing, what does the letter 'E' in the middle of the acronym stand for?
- Evidence gathering
- Explanation
- Engage and Explain (Correct answer)
- Evaluation
Correct answer: Engage and Explain
In the PEACE model, the middle 'E' stands for Engage and Explain, where the interviewer builds rapport and outlines the interview process.
Question 2: Which of the following statements about recording interviews is most accurate in a corporate fraud investigation context?
- Recording is always illegal without a court order
- Recording policies depend on state law and company policy, and consent requirements vary (Correct answer)
- Federal law uniformly requires two-party consent for all recordings
- Recording is irrelevant since written notes are more reliable
Correct answer: Recording policies depend on state law and company policy, and consent requirements vary
Recording consent requirements vary by jurisdiction; some states require only one-party consent while others require all-party consent, so investigators must know local law.
Question 3: A CFE is interviewing a senior manager suspected of embezzlement. The manager invokes their right to have an attorney present. What should the CFE do?
- Continue the interview since Miranda rights only apply to law enforcement
- Immediately stop questioning on the specific subject matter and consult legal counsel (Correct answer)
- Treat the request as an admission of guilt and escalate charges
- Ask the manager to sign a waiver before proceeding
Correct answer: Immediately stop questioning on the specific subject matter and consult legal counsel
While Miranda technically applies to custodial law enforcement interrogations, best practice in corporate investigations is to pause and consult legal counsel when an attorney is requested.
Question 4: What is 'statement analysis' as used in fraud examination?
- Using software to scan financial statements for anomalies
- Analyzing verbal or written statements for linguistic indicators of deception (Correct answer)
- Reviewing bank statements for unauthorized transfers
- Comparing witness statements with physical evidence
Correct answer: Analyzing verbal or written statements for linguistic indicators of deception
Statement analysis examines word choice, structure, and content of verbal or written accounts to identify potential deception or gaps.
Question 5: When should a CFE avoid using the direct accusation approach in an interrogation?
- When the subject is cooperative
- When evidence is weak or inconclusive (Correct answer)
- When the interview is being recorded
- When the subject has a legal background
Correct answer: When evidence is weak or inconclusive
Accusing a subject without sufficient evidence risks alienating an innocent person and can undermine the investigation's credibility.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'paralanguage' in the context of interview and interrogation?
- Speaking in a second language to confuse the subject
- Non-verbal vocal cues such as pitch, pace, tone, and volume (Correct answer)
- The use of written questions alongside verbal ones
- Legal language used in formal interrogation settings
Correct answer: Non-verbal vocal cues such as pitch, pace, tone, and volume
Paralanguage refers to vocal elements beyond the words themselves—such as hesitation, pitch changes, or speaking speed—that can indicate stress or deception.
Question 7: Which phase of the Reid Technique involves presenting alternative explanations to morally justify or minimize the suspect's actions?
- Alternative questioning
- Theme development (Correct answer)
- Handling denials
- Obtaining a verbal confession
Correct answer: Theme development
Theme development provides the suspect with rationalized, face-saving explanations to lower resistance and make confession feel less threatening.
CFE Interviewing and Interrogation 4
Under the PEACE model of interviewing, what does the letter 'E' in the middle of the acronym stand for?