Program Overview

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Introduction to the Interviewing Techniques for Accident Investigators Course

The Interviewing Techniques for Accident Investigators course is designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct effective interviews with witnesses in accident investigations. This course is particularly suited for those involved in the investigation of accidents and who are likely to be involved in the interviewing of witnesses.

Course Overview

The course adopts a balanced curriculum of theoretical learning and practical sessions involving interviews of live witnesses, with video debriefing, to deliver a practical learning experience supported by the latest academic thinking in investigative interviewing. The course is intended to build on the interviewing skills developed during other courses, such as the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation, Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation, Applied Marine Accident Investigation, and Applied Rail Accident Investigation courses.

Course Structure

The course structure includes lectures and practical interview exercises. Interview sessions will be recorded and analyzed in order to learn from each event.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying interviewing theories, including memory theory and psychological factors affecting witness recall, and biases and heuristics of both witnesses and investigators.
• Describe and critically assess the most appropriate interview technique(s) to be adopted during an accident safety investigation to ensure the effective gathering of witness evidence, including cognitive
  on-cognitive interview techniques.
• Develop an appropriate and effective interview strategy and plan to ensure the efficacy of the interview and optimize the gathering of the available information.
• Conduct an effective witness interview with regard to the selection of the most appropriate interview methodology, the welfare of the witness, the quality of the evidence collected, and the accuracy of note-taking.
• Develop an awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct an effective self-critique of the interview process to ensure continuous performance improvement.

Core Content

The core content of the course includes:

• Refresher of the fundamentals of investigative interviewing
• Enhanced theory of investigative interviewing
• Preparation for the interview
• Conducting the interview
• Post-interview phase

Refresher of the Fundamentals of Investigative Interviewing

• Basic principles of investigative interviewing
• Basic interviewing models
• Use of different questioning techniques
• Fundamentals of cognitive interviewing

Enhanced Theory of Investigative Interviewing

• Enhanced theory of memory and psychology
• SE3R methodology for managing and recording interviews
• Introduction to concept of enhanced cognitive interviewing
• Biases and heuristics – investigator and witnesses
• Introduction to non-cognitive interview techniques

Preparation for the Interview

• Assessment of witnesses' emotional and psychological state
• Awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them
• Consideration of cultural, religious, social factors that may have an effect on the witness interview
• Strategies for planning and structuring different interviews

Conducting the Interview

• Management of the initial phases of the interview
• Implementation of the appropriate interviewing model in accordance with the interview strategy/plan
• Adopting a strategy for recording witness evidence
• Introduction to strategies for dealing with challenging/difficult witnesses
• Identifying and employing appropriate challenge techniques
• Dealing with other third-party attendees at the interview

Post-Interview Phase

• Recording and summarizing of the interview information
• Strategies for conducting an effective self-critique of the interview process

Upgrade to a Professional Qualification

All of the short courses within the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre are available as standalone courses. The postgraduate programme in Safety and Accident Investigation allows participants to combine many of these courses towards a part-time postgraduate qualification.

Who Should Attend

The course is designed for all those involved in the investigation of accidents and likely to be involved in the interviewing of witnesses. The course will have an emphasis on the safety investigation of transport accidents, but its content will also be equally applicable to investigative interviewing for other safety-critical domains and high-reliability organizations.

Course Details

• Dates: Please enquire for course dates
• Duration: Five days
• Location: Hybrid
• Cost: £2,215 (the course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day; accommodation is not included and must be booked separately)

Accommodation Options and Prices

This is a non-residential course. Participants may book accommodation on campus or make their own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and Travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1. London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are 30, 90, and 90 minutes respectively by car.