CIG Interview & Interrogation Techniques Flashcards

Under what circumstances is a federal investigator required to provide a Miranda warning before questioning a suspect?

Answer: When the suspect is in custody and subject to interrogation in a criminal investigation

Miranda warnings are required only when a suspect is in custody (i.e., not free to leave) AND is about to be subjected to interrogation in a criminal investigation — they do not apply to administrative interviews.

What is the 'PEACE' model of investigative interviewing, developed in the United Kingdom, designed to emphasize?

Answer: Ethical, non-coercive information gathering focused on truth-seeking rather than confession

The PEACE model (Preparation, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure, Evaluate) is a structured, ethical interviewing framework focused on obtaining accurate information rather than extracting confessions through pressure.

When an interviewee provides a statement that contradicts documentary evidence, what is the recommended investigator approach?

Answer: Use the documentary evidence as a non-confrontational probe by asking the subject to explain the discrepancy

Presenting contradictory evidence as a question asking the subject to explain the discrepancy is more effective and professional than direct accusation, and may reveal innocent explanations or expose deception.

What legal right do federal employees represented by a union have during an investigative interview that they believe may result in disciplinary action?

Answer: The Weingarten right to have a union representative present during the interview

Under Weingarten rights (derived from a 1975 Supreme Court decision), employees have the right to request union representation at any investigative interview they reasonably believe could lead to disciplinary action.

Which of the following practices would most likely compromise the integrity of an investigative interview?

Answer: Sharing details of other witnesses' statements with the current interviewee

Revealing other witnesses' statements contaminates the current interviewee's account, potentially tainting their testimony and compromising the independence and reliability of the investigation.

In preparing for a subject interview in an OIG investigation, which step is most critical to complete before the interview takes place?

Answer: Thoroughly reviewing all available documentary evidence and prior witness statements

Thoroughly reviewing documentary evidence and prior witness statements before the interview allows the investigator to ask informed questions, recognize inconsistencies, and avoid being misled by false or incomplete answers.