CIG Interview & Interrogation Techniques Flashcards

What is the primary distinction between an 'interview' and an 'interrogation' in the context of Inspector General investigations?

Answer: Interviews are non-accusatory information-gathering sessions, while interrogations are accusatory and designed to elicit admissions from suspects

An interview is a non-accusatory conversation used to gather facts from witnesses or victims, while an interrogation is accusatory and aimed at obtaining admissions or confessions from a suspect.

When conducting a witness interview in a government investigation, which technique helps build rapport at the outset?

Answer: Beginning with casual, open-ended questions to establish comfort and trust

Building rapport through friendly, open-ended questions at the start of an interview encourages the witness to open up and provide more complete and accurate information.

In federal government investigations, which warning must be given to a subject employee before a compelled interview that could lead to self-incrimination?

Answer: Garrity warning

The Garrity warning informs public employees that their statements during a compelled interview cannot be used against them in a criminal prosecution, distinguishing it from the Miranda warning applicable to custodial criminal interrogations.

What does the Reid Technique primarily rely upon to assess deception during interrogation?

Answer: Behavioral analysis of verbal and nonverbal cues

The Reid Technique uses behavioral analysis — including body language, speech patterns, and emotional responses — to assess whether a subject is being truthful or deceptive.

Which type of question during an investigative interview is most likely to elicit a narrative, detailed response from the subject?

Answer: Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions invite the subject to provide a full narrative in their own words, yielding richer information and reducing the risk of the investigator inadvertently suggesting answers.

During an OIG interview, an employee invokes their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. What is the appropriate investigator response in an administrative proceeding?

Answer: Compel the employee to answer by granting use immunity

In administrative proceedings, an agency may compel an employee to answer questions by granting use immunity, meaning the compelled statements cannot be used against the employee in a criminal prosecution.