Course Overview
The success of any investigation at any level is dependent on the investigator obtaining evidence and presenting it in a manner that is acceptable to the courts. Often this evidence is information supplied by people involved in incidents. The amount and veracity of this information is of utmost importance. In this course, candidates learn and practice very practical and straight forward techniques available for interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects to obtain the maximum amount of court admissible information. This course will focus on a non-accusatorial, evidence-based philosophy to interviewing which responds to Charter challenges and case law related to voluntariness of statements.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, each student will be able to:
- Describe past interviewing models and contrast and compare them with current model.
- Identify and describe the five universal parts of every interview: Preparation, Legal Obligations, Obtain a Version, Persuasion (suspects only) and Conclude and Evaluate.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a non-accusatorial, non-oppressive environment for suspect interviews.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide clear Cognitive Interview instructions for witness and victim interviews.
- Commit to systematically completing interview preparation activities using all information resources available.
- Design and draft an interview plan that incorporates the five universal parts of an interview.
- Identify common errors in interviewing and avoid such errors.
- Evaluate verbal and non-verbal responses in a practical application.
- Organize an investigative interview following the five universal parts and guided by a written interview plan.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2024
Related Programs
Forensic Interviewing for Investigators (FSCT 7231) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.