Modern interview and interrogation training is failing because it still relies on accusatory methods, lie detection myths, and a confession-first mindset. Decades of research now show Science-Based Interviewing gathers more information, strengthens case integrity, reduces bias, and even increases confessions. It’s time to replace broken tools with evidence-based skills that actually uncover the truth.

If I could go back and talk to my younger self as a new police officer, I'd have some words of advice: Slow down. Listen more. Police work is all about the interview (especially then!). When I started out, I wanted to chase and catch the bad guys. I wanted to clean up the mean streets and I was lucky enough to work in the same Patrol Bureau where I grew up. That meant something to me. If I am able to apprehend sufficient offenders and bring them into the county jail, I will h

Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) must come before Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policing. Pseudoscientific lie detection and accusatory tactics feed garbage into investigations, and AI will only amplify those errors. Evidence-based SBI—rapport, active listening, open-ended questions—produces reliable, information-rich statements. That’s the data AI can actually use to strengthen cases and build trust in the information age of policing.

Interviewing can be one of the most intimidating parts of an investigator’s job, especially for those who are new to their role. Whether...

For years, we’ve talked about interview and interrogation and legacy techniques were the standard. Too often, we have relied on these methods, which actually undermine our ability to gather reliable information. This is especially true in confession-driven approaches. The idea behind these tactics is that if a suspect denies involvement early, they’re less likely to confess later. But the problem here isn’t just the techniques; it’s the overall strategy. We’ve Science-based i

Test your interviewing knowledge with this interactive Science-Based Interviewing Crossword! Strengthen your understanding of rapport, memory, and funnel questioning—core skills for investigators, HR professionals, and interviewers who rely on evidence-based communication. Challenge yourself to think critically, reduce bias, and sharpen the questioning techniques that make interviews more accurate, ethical, and effective.

In the world of law enforcement, corporate investigations, and criminal investigations, the skills and strategies employed during interviews and interrogations are crucial for gathering reliable information and solving cases. This article presents an extensive glossary of terms, jargon, acronyms, and slang commonly used in these critical processes. It’s important to note that while some terms describe effective and ethically sound techniques, such as Science-Based Interviewin

Interviewing is data collection. In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionizing various sectors,...

Science-based investigative interviewing is the modern standard for truth-seeking. Interviews remain the primary engine of information gathering, beginning with patrol and continuing through complex investigations. Rapport and active listening are not “soft skills” but high-stakes tools proven to increase cooperation and disclosure while reducing error. Great interviews discover evidence, expose contradictions, identify witnesses, and provide vital context. Information is the