Program Overview

This foundational block introduces investigative professionals—analysts, auditors, evaluators, fraud examiners, investigators, and inspectors—to the core principles and applications of science-based interviewing. Participants will explore the anatomy of effective interviews, the profiles of successful interviewers, and the strategic selection of interview types across criminal, civil, and administrative contexts.

Drawing on contemporary research in cognitive psychology, strategic communication, and investigative interviewing science, the course emphasizes how structured, evidence-informed approaches can enhance accuracy, reduce bias, and improve outcomes. Through scenario-based learning and guided analysis, participants will learn to tailor interviews to the needs of their environment—whether conducting subject interviews in a criminal investigation or gathering witness accounts in an audit setting.

Science-Based Interviewing Integration

The course introduces key concepts from science-based interviewing, including:

  • Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE): Leveraging known facts to assess credibility and elicit disclosures.
  • Cognitive Interviewing Techniques: Enhancing memory retrieval and minimizing contamination.
  • Rapport Building and Ethical Framing: Creating conditions for cooperation and truthful responding.
  • Interview Planning and Structure: Aligning interview goals with case objectives and legal standards.

Course Objectives

By the end of this block, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the characteristics and competencies of successful interviewers.
  • Distinguish between interview types and select appropriate formats for investigative contexts.
  • Recognize common elements of effective interviews and how they vary across environments.
  • Apply science-based interviewing principles to improve accuracy, completeness, and fairness.
  • Evaluate interview scenarios to determine appropriate strategies for subjects, witnesses, and victims.
  • Understand the legal and procedural implications of interview choices in criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.

Testimonials

Mark’s training classes are a refreshing and engaging approach to gathering pertinent evidence during the interviewing process. Mark is extremely engaging and knowledgeable and presents the material in a way that draws the audience in.
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPI
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPICEO Sherrod Investigative Group, LLC Seminar Coordinator and Past President of the Knoxville ACFE
Mark’s training is engaging, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable, yet firmly grounded in the latest science.
Anthony Palmieri
Anthony PalmieriDeputy Inspector General | President, Palm Beach Economic Crimes Unit | Former President, National Guardianship Association
Mark has a myriad of law enforcement and public corruption investigation experience accumulated over many years that make him one of the highest rated instructors at the AIG Institutes. It is instructors of this caliber that help make the CIGI certification so valuable.
Stephen Street
Stephen StreetLouisiana State Inspector General
Mark Anderson is a vibrant, entertaining, engaging and knowledgeable speaker. The Jacksonville ACFE has had Mark speak at many of our engagements over the past few years. His style which includes stories, videos and audio clips to demonstrate points keeps the audience involved and leaves them wanting more no matter the length of the event.
Andrea ValentinVP Prepaid FIU at FSV Payment Systems (US Bank)
Mr. Anderson is uniquely qualified to develop and deliver interviewing and interrogation training to new and experienced criminal investigators, administrative investigators, auditors, inspectors, evaluators and other professionals charged with oversight, investigative, and law enforcement duties.
Robert RayDirector, Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy
During Mark's tenure at the IG Academy, he managed or contributed significantly to the delivery of a majority of our training programs. Mark's expertise in investigative interviewing sets him apart. Mark is an outstanding and enthusiastic instructor who often received very favorable comments on his instruction and classroom management from both students and colleagues.
Angela HrdlickaIndependent Management, Security and Law Enforcement Consultant; Evernote Certified Consultant
I attended a training conducted by Mark regarding Ethics and Advanced Interviewing. By far, one of the best trainings I have received. Mark was engaging and knowledgeable on these issues. If you require investigations, interrogations, or interviewing training (to name a few) for your organization, I would highly recommend you contact Mark - immediately.
Julie HolladayInvestigator at TriCenturion
Our instructors are evaluated by the students who attend the Institute on a scale of 1 to 5. Mark has consistently received evaluations with an average score exceeding 4.5. He has been universally well received. He is an expert in his field and he delivers his lectures in an highly engaging, energetic and interactive way. He is certainly one of the highlights for our investigators during the week of training.
Philip ZismanJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice, Department of Public Management
Mark is without question one of the most technically qualified, knowledgeable, and dynamic trainers in the field of interviewing I have ever witnessed. As a certified trainer with nearly three decades of experience as an investigator, he possesses the hands on skill-set to present interviewing techniques in the most proficient and educational way thereby allowing the students to gain invaluable knowledge.
Tom CaulfieldCOO, Procurement Integrity Consulting Services
"Without a doubt, some of the best interviewing training I've ever seen and sent my detectives to. Mark has the innate gift of interviewing, but what makes him especially good his how his practices, styles, and trainings evolve as he learns more from science-based information then applies it to the field."
Brian PeeteDirector, Riley County Police Department
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FAQ

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Anderson Investigative Associates (AIA) is a professional training organization specializing in customized, science-based interview and investigative training for organizations across law enforcement, corporate, audit, human resources, and inspection sectors.

AIA offers training in human resources interviewing, investigative interviewing, audit/inspection/evaluation, leadership and communication, trauma-informed interviewing, cognitive interviewing, evidence collection techniques, and more — all customized to client needs.

Science-based interviewing refers to methodologies rooted in cognitive psychology and behavioral science research that improve information accuracy, reduce investigative bias, and enhance the quality of interviews and investigations.

AIA’s training is designed for professionals in law enforcement, auditing, internal investigations, human resources, corporate security, inspection, evaluation, and other roles where effective information gathering and interviewing are critical.

Yes. AIA specializes in fully customized training solutions tailored to an organization’s specific operational requirements, training gaps, culture, and investigative challenges.

Training can be structured in various formats — from one-day workshops to multi-day immersive courses — and includes interactive exercises, realistic scenarios, and hands-on practice.

Some courses include Cognitive Interviewing, Counter-Interrogation Strategies, Science-Based Rapport Building, Strategic Interview Planning, Evidence Disclosure and Strategic Empathy, and Advanced Trauma-Informed Interviewing.

Science-based approaches improve investigative outcomes by maximizing the reliability and accuracy of information obtained, minimizing bias, and creating defensible methods suitable for legal and professional scrutiny.

Yes. AIA provides training tailored to human resources professionals for employee interviews, misconduct investigations, conflict resolution, and documentation practices that align with legal and organizational standards.

You can contact AIA through their website’s Contact page or by calling their office number provided on the site.