NAOBTAINSTMT Revised

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Using Statement Analysis as an Investigative Tool A tool for uncovering the truth Obtain the -----> Analyze the -------> Interview using statement statement the statement (amplify) 1 2 3

PowerPoint Presentation: 

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, OBTAIN THE STATEMENT PRIOR TO INTERVIEWING THE SUBJECT

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Have the subject write his own verbatim narrative Obtaining a Statement

PowerPoint Presentation: 

- Use 8 1/2 x 11” lined paper with margins - Use a pen - not a pencil Give him adequate time to write Minimize the importance of the process - Ask the subject an open-ended question to elicit the narrative Guidelines for Obtaining a Written Statement

PowerPoint Presentation: 

“Write down everything you did yesterday from the time you woke up until the time you went to sleep.” Principle: Establish the writer’s norms Have subject write the narrative

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“Tell me what you know about _______________.” Probe those areas where he ‘tips his hand’

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Audio/Video Record the narrative & transcribe it word for word Obtaining a Statement

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Ask an open-ended question “ Tell me everything that happened yesterday from the time you woke up until the time you went to sleep.” Don’t interrupt Let the subject do the talking Don’t edit what he says Guidelines for Recording a Statement

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Write the subject’s dictated narrative yourself When? Obtaining a Statement

PowerPoint Presentation: 

- Use 8 1/2 x 11” lined paper with margins - Use a pen - not a pencil - As you write the narrative: - Sit next to him so he can read it as you write - Write every word - If he stops talking, leave a blank - Don’t interrupt - Don’t edit Guidelines for Writing a Dictated Statement

Contamination: 

Contamination There are benefits to obtaining the statement prior to the interview.

What is Interview Contamination: 

What is Interview Contamination What can an interviewer say or do to contaminate the flow of information?

Potential Interview Contaminants: 

Potential Interview Contaminants The environment Location Distractions Sounds Sights Smells Multiple Interviews

Active Listening: 

Active Listening Utilize Active Listening Points Maximize the flow of information Reduce contaminants

Questions: 

Questions Consider the Question that you ask carefully. By simply asking the question, we change the environment.

Contamination Is: 

Contamination Is Verbal and Nonverbal cues to the interviewee that hinders the flow of information.

Contaminating the Interview: 

Contaminating the Interview Linguists are aware that most questions influence answers…

45 Witnesses watch an accident video: 

45 Witnesses watch an accident video They were asked: About how fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other? Collided Bumped Hit Crashed

Memory & Contamination: 

Memory & Contamination …memories can be distorted, even created, by the tone of voice, phrasing of a question, subtle nonverbal signals, expressions of boredom, impatience or fascination…

PowerPoint Presentation: 

The case of Stacey, the missing four year old girl “Write down what you did from the time you woke up until the time you went to sleep?”

PowerPoint Presentation: 

- If he answers your question - What words he chooses - What order he puts the words in - How he says what he says - How much time he takes to say what he says - Any references to time or lack of reference to time WHAT WILL WE ANALYZE?

Ask Open Ended Statements: 

Ask Open Ended Statements Tell me what happened? Tell me everything you know about your wife’s disappearance. Write down everything you did from the time you woke up until the time you went to bed?

Becca’s Molestation: 

Becca’s Molestation Tell me what brought you in here today?

Your Interview Objective: 

Your Interview Objective Maximum information with minimum contamination.