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Interview Preparation Tips -- Good Cop or Bad Cop?
The Good Cop, Bad Cop approach is best left for Hollywood. First of all it doesn't work (too many people watch cop shows), and secondly, it borders on intimidation. Aggressive approaches or interviewing styles are unethical and counterproductive in any workplace accident investigations.
The interview process should not be considered a substitute for a thorough and proper investigation. In other words, don't ignore all the other evidence at your disposal in favour of just talking to people about what happened.
Like most things in life, much of your success depends on how well you prepare and plan. Here are a few preparation tips:
- Identify your goal for each interview. What do you hope to learn from each witness? Go with you best witness first, likely a supervisor or eyewitness.
- Learn a little about the witness's background. This may be helpful in establishing rapport or in evaluating credibility.
- Identify whom best to conduct the interview. For a variety of reasons it may not be the person leading the investigation.
- Ensure privacy regardless of where the interview is conducted. Remember, secrets are disclosed in moments of intimacy.
- Rooms used for interviews should be available for the duration of the interview. Arrange the room before the witness arrives to be as warm and inviting as possible.
- Remove all distractions. Even a paper clip in the witness's hand can be distracting. A safety poster on the wall may well be a negative reminder from a witness's point of view. Post a sign on the door saying not to disturb. Turn off cell and desk phones.
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Have all the material required for the interview such as pens, and paper with you. This includes maps, plans, photographs etc. you may wish the witness to review.
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