Applied Methods and Techniques Flashcards

In an investigative interview, what is the primary difference between an interview and an interrogation?

Answer: Interviews are non-accusatory information gathering; interrogations are accusatory and aim to obtain an admission

An interview gathers information in a non-accusatory way, while an interrogation is accusatory and seeks an admission from a suspect.

Which principle requires every person who handles physical evidence to document its transfer?

Answer: Chain of custody

Chain of custody documents each person who held the evidence, which preserves its integrity and admissibility.

An investigator suspects inventory theft at a distribution center. Which step should normally come first?

Answer: Define the scope and objectives and review existing records

Investigations start with planning, which means defining objectives and reviewing available documents before moving on to people.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), what must an employer do before taking adverse action based on a consumer report from a third-party investigator?

Answer: Provide the applicant a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and a summary of rights

FCRA requires a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of the report and the summary of consumer rights.

In a workplace investigation, why are open-ended questions preferred at the start of an interview?

Answer: They encourage a narrative account and reduce leading the witness

Open-ended questions draw out a free narrative and avoid planting information the witness did not provide.

Which type of evidence is a witness's testimony that they saw the suspect remove the cash?

Answer: Direct evidence

Direct evidence proves a fact without requiring inference, such as an eyewitness account of the act.

Under the Weingarten rights established by the NLRB, which employees are entitled to have a representative present during an investigatory interview?

Answer: Unionized employees who reasonably believe the interview may lead to discipline and request a representative

Weingarten rights apply to union-represented employees who request representation when they reasonably fear discipline.