CLI Interview & Interrogation Methods Flashcards

Which behavioral indicator is commonly associated with deception during an investigative interview?

Answer: Increased response latency and over-qualification of statements

Delayed responses and excessive qualifying language (e.g., 'to the best of my knowledge') can signal deception, though no single indicator is conclusive and must be interpreted in context.

What is the purpose of a 'statement analysis' technique in investigative interviewing?

Answer: To identify linguistic anomalies in written or verbal statements that may indicate deception or withheld information

Statement analysis examines content, structure, and language choices in statements to identify areas where the subject may be withholding information or being deceptive.

When interviewing a potential witness who is also represented by an attorney in a related civil matter, what must the CLI investigator do?

Answer: Contact the witness's attorney before conducting the interview

Professional conduct rules and legal ethics require that investigators not contact a represented party directly on the subject of the representation without their attorney's permission.

What is a 'funnel sequence' in the context of investigative interviewing?

Answer: A questioning structure that begins with broad open questions and progressively narrows to specific closed questions

The funnel sequence starts with open-ended narrative questions to get the full account, then progressively narrows with specific and closed questions to clarify and test details.

What is the significance of 'paralinguistic' cues in an investigative interview?

Answer: They include voice tone, pitch, pace, and hesitations that may convey information beyond the spoken words

Paralinguistic cues such as voice tremors, sudden changes in speaking rate, or uncharacteristic pausing can signal stress or deception that the spoken words alone do not reveal.

A CLI investigator is interviewing a hostile witness who suddenly requests to end the interview. What is the correct response?

Answer: Acknowledge the request, thank the witness for their time, and end the interview immediately

Witnesses have the right to end a voluntary interview at any time, and respecting that right protects the investigator from accusations of coercion while leaving the door open for future cooperation.