This week Dave Thompson, CFI shares with us some thoughts on identifying rationalizations during the rapport-building process.
Most interviews begin with a short rapport-building approach that allows the interviewer and the subject involved in the interview to build a more comfortable and relaxed line of communication. During this portion of a conversation—regardless of whether this involves an interrogation or a job interview—the subject is encouraged and able to discuss various things about themselves with the interviewer in a low-stress, casual manner that can help set the tone for the conversation.
By the same respect the rapport-building process can offer the additional benefit of allowing the interviewer to identify what reasons the subject may have for committing the crime or other incident that they may have been involved in which led to the interview. In fact, there are even times when the subject will volunteer their rationale to the interviewer without even being asked. This is an extremely valuable aspect of the conversation that allows the interviewer and opportunity to develop trust, encourage communication and identify what rationalizations are relevant to the subject.
Every loss prevention investigator should continuously strive to enhance their investigative interviewing skills as part of an ongoing commitment to best-in-class interviewing performance. This includes holding ourselves to an elite standard of interview and interrogation training that is ethical, moral and legal while demanding excellence in the pursuit of the truth. The International Association of Interviewers (IAI) and Wicklander-Zulawski (WZ) provide interview and interrogation training programs and additional guidance to investigators when dealing with dishonest employees, employee theft, sexual harassment, policy violations, building rapport, pre-employment interviewing, lying, denials and obtaining a statement.
By focusing on the latest information and research from experts in the field as well as academia, legal and psychological resources, these video tips provide interview and interrogation training techniques that can enhance the skill sets of professionals with backgrounds in Law Enforcement, Loss Prevention, Security, Asset Protection, Human Resources, Auditors or anyone looking to obtain the truth.
To learn more about interview and interrogation training and how you can further develop your professional skill sets, please visit www.w-z.com or www.certifiedinterviewer.com for additional information.