Training for Investigators in Special Incident Response Teams

Incidents involving allegations of police misconduct or serious injury/death of any person that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer are sensitive and often highly complex. The interviewing of persons involved (officers and others) in such events is crucial to the successful resolution of an investigation. As a result, Investigative Excellence should be demanded and the highest standards of investigative interviewing be upheld.

Dr. MacDonald will provide training (in agreement with your local Provincial Police Act; Section 46.1 in Alberta), using a scaffolding approach, to develop the highest quality skills (considered around the world to be the gold-standard) in evidence-based information gathering approaches and scientific credibility assessment. This training will ensure your Team has the advanced  skills to conduct thorough, independent, and objective investigations. 

Briefly, some of the learning objectives associated with this highly specialized course are:
  • Understanding the most effective roles of the Interviewing Unit (e.g., Interview Advisor, Primary and Secondary Interviewer)
  • Understanding components of memory, how memory works, how false memories are created 
  • Enhancing skills for rapport building and active listening
  • Improving appropriate questioning techniques and note taking skills
  • Learning conversation management tools to communicate with uncooperative individuals 
  • Becoming aware of interviewing tools that can be utilized when there is a large group of witnesses present at the time of incident 
  • Becoming familiar with false (but commonly believed) cues to deception
  • Obtaining an understanding of scientific behavioural cues associated with deceit
  • Effective report writing to ensure reliable decisions are made that inform the laying of criminal charges

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