Page 328 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

Other Applications 381

Category B Possible persuasive arguments
Witnesses requiring persuasion You should make it clear that:

Nature of the case The witness will not be alone but will be
Relating to a serious matter, such as a serious supported by other witnesses, documentary and
fraud technical evidence. You must make it clear that
Type of evidence the witness will be one of many
Has sensitive or emotionally laden evidence
against the suspect, such as what he did or Rationalization: The reasons for any genuine
said. Usually such evidence is not supported by mistakes and poor performance are understood
formal, written records and are not a problem providing they are
openly admitted. Subject to legal advice and
Personal interests of the witness management approval you may give the witness
Wishes to hide poor performance or a personal immunity in relation to genuine mistakes
ambition
This is a very difficult situation and you must
Emotionally or financially involved or has been decide whether to treat the subject as a witness
compromised by the suspect or suspect. Unless you have specific legal and
management authority you must not give any
Is known to the suspect witness immunity for his dishonesty29

Payment of a reward Persuasion
The witness demands payment for giving his A witness summons may be issued, compelling
assistance him to attend

The witness demands immunity from Again a dangerous area. Payment should only
prosecution be made with specific legal and management
approval. Also remember if the case goes to
Nature of the suspects court, payments have to be disclosed to the
Suspects are violent criminals opposing parties. This fact often exposes the
The potential witness has been threatened or witness to attack and reduces the credibility of
pressurized, but does not appear to have acted his evidence
dishonestly
Unless you have specific legal and management
authority you must not give any witness
immunity for his dishonesty. If the case goes to
court, the complete story has to be disclosed to
the opposing party

Conduct the interview informally, promising
the witness anonymity and total confidentiality
and that his evidence will not be used overtly.
Ultimately, cases of organized or violent crime
should be reported to the police

29 If you do so, it is likely to prejudice a fidelity insurance claim and lead to problems in court