Classroom Objectives Training on how to develop notes into accurate, signed witness statements at the time of the interview. Training on how to plan and conduct an effective interview with a variety of witnesses.

Use of Silence Be on Same Level Use of Flattery Show of Knowledge Use of Logic & Reasoning Appeal to Morality Interviewing Techniques

Witness Testimony Credibility Reliability Nature Inconsistencies Interest, Bias and Motive

Reliability of Witness Testimony Ability and opportunity to perceive Knowledge or technical expertise Ability to recall

Why Witnesses Fail to Supply Information Faulty perception Inability to remember Misunderstanding of what is wanted Unawareness of possessing worthwhile information Reluctant/fearful Distracting time and/or place

Why Witnesses Fail to Supply Information Reluctance to become involved Feeling threatened — fearful Distracting or inconvenient time and place of the interview Mistaking inference for facts

Nature of Testimony Uncontradicted testimony Form of testimony Presence or absence of internal inconsistencies and contradictions Inconsistent behavior Plausibility — probability

Witness Interest Derived benefits or harm Has this “interest” affected the testimony?

Witness Bias or Prejudice Does the witness have a relationship to someone or a philosophical view that may prevent that person from being impartial? Has any existing bias or prejudice actually tainted testimony?

Witness Motive Does the witness exhibit hostility or favoritism toward the gender, race, national origin, etc., of another person involved in the case? Is there some emotion or motive which might prompt a witness to think, act or testify in a certain way? (Revenge? Greed? Jealousy?) If so, has the witness’ testimony been tainted by this emotion or motive?