Page 211 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

212 Deception at Work

noting the length of the interview (which should match the time recorded on the solid
state recorder);
• obtain a witness statement from the laboratory;
• retain one copy of the tape or CD securely as the master version;
• use the copy to prepare a transcript and have the other delivered to the suspect at the ap-
propriate time.

The danger is that if you make the copies yourself, you could be accused of tampering with
the evidence. This is a bad scene.

Overt tape recordings

Under PACE (see page [xref]), police are required to overtly tape record interviews with sus-
pects, using approved double-reel tape recorders and to produce the recordings in court. Some
police officers believe that overt tape recording increases the suspect’s anxiety and makes it
less likely to that he will lie, while others believe it is a big turn-off. There are no statistics to
prove the point one way or the other but the reality is that anything that adversely affects the
free flow of the interview at the Pivotal point cannot be good (see page [xref]).

If you decide that an overt recording should be made, tell the suspect – in a bland way – at
the start of the interview: ‘Bill, so that there is no misunderstanding, this interview is being
tape recorded. We will give you a copy at the end of the investigation.’ Then continue, without
hesitation, with the opening statement. Do not make a big issue out of tape recording.

CONSIDER USING INTERPRETERS

In some cases, interviews have to be conducted through interpreters, and this increases the
difficulty. First, the presence of another human body may disturb the transactional relation-
ship between you and the suspect: it slows down the pace of the interview and can lead to
misunderstanding. If an interpreter has to be used (and bear in mind that some liars will deny
their linguistic skills to give themselves more time to think):

• make sure the interpreter speaks and reads both languages fluently;
• choose an interpreter with experience of working with the local police or litigation law-

yers;
• check the interpreter’s background fully, especially his experience of giving evidence;
• make sure he has no relationship with the suspect, or anyone else involved in the case;
• translate the key documents, so that both versions can be shown to the suspect during the

interview: pay particular attention to technical terms;
• obtain a letter of engagement and confidentiality agreement, signed by the interpreter, and

check his references;
• explain the case fully and make sure he understands the evidence and the approach you

intend to take;
• rehearse the interview (see page [xref]);
• tape record everything in the live interview if you can: experience shows this is a prudent

step.