This comprehensive training program equips investigators, analysts, auditors, fraud examiners, and compliance professionals with science-based methodologies for strategic interview planning and preparation. Built on contemporary investigative interviewing research, participants master systematic approaches to pre-interview analysis, strategic planning, and comprehensive preparation that dramatically enhance interview effectiveness and information yield.

The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research from the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iIIRG) with proven methodologies used by leading law enforcement and corporate investigation units globally. Through detailed case study analysis, interactive planning exercises, and real-world scenario applications, participants develop the strategic thinking and methodical preparation skills essential for successful investigative outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will demonstrate mastery in:

Evidence-Based Planning Frameworks

  • Apply Planning and Preparation using current best practices
  • Implement systematic case analysis techniques for interview strategy development
  • Utilize cognitive interviewing principles in pre-interview planning
  • Design interview sequences that maximize information gathering effectiveness

Strategic Case Analysis and Intelligence Gathering

  • Conduct comprehensive background research and intelligence analysis
  • Identify key information gaps and prioritize interview objectives
  • Analyze available evidence to develop strategic questioning approaches
  • Assess witness/subject credibility factors and potential motivations
  • Map relationship networks and identify corroborating sources

Interview Strategy Development

  • Design tailored interview approaches for different subject types (witnesses, suspects, victims)
  • Develop questioning sequences that account for psychological and legal considerations
  • Create contingency plans for various interview scenarios and outcomes
  • Balance information-gathering objectives with legal and ethical requirements
  • Plan for different levels of cooperation and resistance

Logistical and Environmental Planning

  • Select optimal interview locations and environmental conditions
  • Plan interview timing to maximize subject availability and receptiveness
  • Coordinate multi-interviewer approaches and role assignments
  • Prepare technology and documentation systems for comprehensive recording
  • Design interview spaces that support rapport building and information gathering

Legal and Ethical Preparation

  • Navigate jurisdictional requirements and legal constraints
  • Prepare appropriate rights advisements and consent procedures
  • Plan documentation and chain of custody requirements
  • Identify potential privilege issues and legal complications
  • Develop strategies that maintain admissibility and procedural compliance

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

  • Evaluate safety and security considerations for all participants
  • Assess potential reputational and organizational risks
  • Plan for emotional and psychological support needs
  • Identify potential conflicts of interest and bias factors
  • Develop contingency protocols for unexpected developments

Documentation and Preparation Systems

  • Create comprehensive interview preparation templates and checklists
  • Develop systematic approaches to pre-interview briefing materials
  • Design evidence organization systems for interview reference
  • Plan real-time documentation and note-taking strategies
  • Prepare post-interview evaluation and follow-up protocols

Advanced Planning Methodologies

Intelligence-Led Interview Planning

  • Systematic analysis of available information sources
  • Gap analysis and information prioritization techniques
  • Timeline development and chronological mapping
  • Financial and documentary evidence integration
  • Digital evidence consideration and presentation planning

Behavioral Analysis and Psychological Preparation

  • Subject behavioral pattern analysis and prediction
  • Motivation assessment and leverage identification
  • Deception detection preparation and baseline establishment
  • Emotional state management and rapport building strategies
  • Cultural and demographic consideration integration

Multi-Subject and Complex Case Planning

  • Interview sequencing for multiple subjects
  • Information management across interview series
  • Coordination with other investigative activities
  • Joint agency and cross-jurisdictional planning
  • Resource allocation and timeline management

Practical Application Framework

The training emphasizes hands-on application through:

  • Case Study Analysis: Detailed examination of successful and unsuccessful interview planning approaches
  • Interactive Planning Exercises: Step-by-step development of interview strategies for complex scenarios
  • Peer Review Sessions: Collaborative evaluation and improvement of planning approaches
  • Technology Integration: Utilization of modern case management and planning tools
  • Simulation Exercises: Practice with realistic planning scenarios and time constraints

Target Audience

This specialized training serves:

  • Law enforcement investigators and detectives
  • Corporate security and compliance professionals
  • Internal audit teams and fraud examiners
  • Insurance investigators and claims specialists
  • Regulatory investigators and compliance officers
  • Private investigators and security consultants
  • Government auditors and oversight personnel