1. LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

2. Be Professional Follow the Law – Don’t deviate You are in the spotlight Expect to be challenged You are in charge!

3. LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS cont … Personal safety Be aware of your surroundings Don’t take risks Never “Assume” anything Stick to the script

5. LEARNING FROM POLICE INVESTIGATIONS cont… Note taking Gathering Evidence Disclosure

6. Notes can be anywhere

7. The role of the Investigator Unbiased gatherer of relevant information, working on behalf of the Complaints/Investigation Committee; Working on behalf of the regulator; Determine the facts; Identify the available information; Determine how to obtain it Must stay within the scope of the complaint! It is not your job to determine if the information is relevant

8. And now for the Interview…

9. Location is Key You as the interviewer set the location – Private – Comfortable for the parties – Properly equipped (audio / video if required) – No distractions or interruptions such as telephones or electronic devices – If you allow the subject to control the interview date and location, you allow them to control the interview!

10. Tips to a successful interview Establish rapport Listen actively… Encourage spontaneous recall Ask open-ended Q’s Pause after each response Avoid interrupting Request detailed descriptions Encourage intense concentration Encourage the use of imagery Adopt the subjects perspective Ask compatible questions

11. Focus on the facts not Personalities! Keep an open mind You are a professional Be non-judgemental Do not become their best friend Show respect Demonstrate care and interest Be calm and reasonable Never assume that the individual has the time to or wants to speak with you

12. Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present Cooperative relationship Encourage dialogue Safe environment Lawyer may restrict the dialogue You are in control

13. Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present Set out and explain the ground rules to the Lawyer Silent participant Police Facility – No entry

14. Conducting Interviews with and without a Lawyer present cont… Record everything – In the room and on the way to the room Protect your integrity and the integrity of your investigation

15. Interview Notes vs Audio Recording Interview notesAudio recording Quick reference, often not detailed enough Allows for a detailed accurate record of the interview Open to criticism and interpretationEliminates any accusations of bias Need to provide opportunity for the party to review and verify

16. When to Caution Once you form the opinion that an offence has been committed and you are questioning the person as a suspect, you must caution the person. You can’t hide behind words Your job is not to “get around this” OK to stop, caution and start all over again

17. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Direction or Advice

19. DISCUSSION?

20. Contact Information Chris Buck – Senior Investigator Investigations and Hearings Department Ontario College of Teachers 101 Bloor Street West Toronto ON M5S 0A1 Canada (416) 961-8800 Ext. 406 cbuck@oct.ca