Ask Officer Michelle – Question #121
Posted by pesadita12
Hello Officer Michelle,
I go to Saint Cloud State and am currently taking a class on interviewing and interrogation. My professor asked our class to ask a law enforcement officer what it is like to interview witnesses or victims of a significant or serious crime. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with some information on how police officers interact with witnesses and victims while investigating a significant crime. Thank you.
Dear pesadita12,
You have asked a very interesting question. I asked one of our sergeants who works in our Family Abuse Unit, and is very experienced with a variety of sensitive interviews, to answer your question. Below is his response. I hope you find it helpful.
Officer Michelle
“Great question! Law Enforcement training is very comprehensive when it comes to interviewing victims, witnesses, children, and suspects. The biggest problem is getting personally and emotionally attached to the people you’re interviewing. If it’s a victim, you tend to feel empathic and concerned. If it’s a witness you may become frustrated when they have a perspective that’s not always consistent with other witnesses. If it’s a child, you want to protect them, and if it’s a suspect you want to ask them “why?”
This is where our training is so helpful. The more attached you become, the less effective you will be with your interview. You can’t think of good questions when you’re thinking about the crime and it’s impact of the lives of those involved. So, you have to stay as objective as possible and maintain an awareness of who you are and the job you have to do.
Later on – after the shift, you reflect on the lives of those impacted by violent crimes – victims and children mostly. You’re glad that you delivered a quality service by being there to complete an accurate and comprehensive investigation. When you’re in court, you’re glad that the DA was able to prosecute in part due to your handling to the investigation. These are the constant reminders of the job and our obligations during investigations.”
Sgt. Dave Cropp
Family Abuse Unit
