NCJ Number
89310
Journal
Security Management Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1983) Pages: 36,39-43
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Interrogation by a security investigator of an employee suspected of theft, has determination of guilt as a primary goal, but related purposes are to determine further facts related to an offense, eliminate suspects, and develop information useful in the interrogation of other suspects.
Abstract
Interrogations are the final phase of an investigation, after sufficient evidence has been collected to indicate the guilt of a particular employee or employees. If the company investigator knows the employee well, it might be wise to bring in an outside security expert to conduct the interrogation. The room used for the interrogation should be private and without distractions. It should include a two-way mirror so that others may observe the interrogation. The interrogation should be conducted in a calm, professional manner avoiding putting the employee on the defensive or humiliating him/her. While questions may be formulated prior to the interrogation, the format should be flexible and responsive to the employee's responses. The focus of the interrogation should be on the suspect's motivation for the crime rather than a direct accusation of guilt. The ultimate goal of an interrogation is a written statement of guilt freely given by the suspect. If a written statement cannot be secured, the interrogation should be left open-ended, with the way left open for a subsequent interview.