1. The role of speed, thoroughness and objectivity in the conduct of a real investigation;
2. Fundamental definitions, such as relevance, types of evidence and forms in which evidence is collected;
3. The conduct of successful interviews, including SLICING THE BOLOGNA when asking questions;
4. Proper methodologies in developing written statements and other documentary records associated with the interview process;
5. The collection and preservation of physical evidence; and,
6. Reconciling conflicting evidence.

All those attending the course will receive a 50 page Investigations Manual prepared for this curriculum.

Outline

I. Introduction of Program and Participants.

II. Identification of Common Problems Associated with Investigations.

• small discussion
• class discussion

III. Important Definitions: Types and Forms of Evidence.

• lecture
• class discussion

IV. Values of a REAL Investigation: Speed, Thoroughness, Objectivity.

• small group discussion
• class discussion

V. Rules for Collecting Evidence

• small group discussion
• class discussion
• demonstrations

VI. Organization of an Investigation.

• lecture
• class discussion

VII. Additional Definitions: Incompetence, Opinion Testimony, Hearsay.

• lecture
• small group discussion
• class discussion

VIII. Interviewing Cooperative Witnesses.

• lecture
• small group discussion
• role plays
• class discussion

IX. Inteviewing Cooperative Witnesses: Slicing the Bologna.

• lecture
• small group discussion
• role plays
• class discussion

X. Collective Physical Evidence.

• class discussion

XI. Interviewing Uncooperative and Antagonistic Witnesses.

• small group activity
• role plays
• class discussion

XII. Taking Written Statements.

• lecture
• demonstration
• role plays
• class discussion

XIII. Reconciling Conflicting Evidence.

• role plays
• lecture
• class discussion

XIV. Summary and Evaluation.