Forensic interviews are key to obtaining statements from the victims that are admissible in court. Forensic interviewers are well trained. Discuss some of the techniques involved in forensic interviewing

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: There is no single way to conduct a forensic interview, and there are several methods or models that are used. Some of the many forensic interviewing models in use today include the child cognitive interview, stepwise interview, and narrative elaboration. Similar to many of the others in existence, these three interview types have been shown to be more effective in helping children recall information than standard interviewing techniques. There are some basic elements common to most forensic interviews. These include phases such as introduction, rapport building, developmental assessment (including learning the child's names for different body parts), guidelines for the interview, competency assessment (during which, among other things, it is determined if the child knows the difference between lying and telling the truth), narrative description of the event or events under investigation, follow-up questions, clarification, and closure. Forensic interviews may also incorporate the use of aids and props, such as anatomically detailed dolls, anatomical diagrams, dollhouses, puppets, and so on. One technique is the stepwise technique in which the interview begins with the most open, least leading, least suggestive for of questioning. Building rapport in the stepwise method is important, and should aid in putting the child at ease.