Expert Investigation’s Statement Taking And Interviewing
When you need witnesses interviewing, statements taking, and investigations to prove theft, fraud, bullying or harassment, and employment based allegations, you need an experienced, seasoned Police Detective who knows where and how to take a correct statement. This is the essence of hiring a private investigator. There is a real skill in taking a proper statement. If you have not come from a Police background, how can you have learned how to make a proper statement?
You have to take into account the definition of the law you are investigating, the rules of evidence gathering, the rules of ‘hearsay and opinion’, take into account case law R v Johnson and R v Turnbull and you may have to insert an exhibit schedule into your statement. There are 2 different types of witness statements, a Section 9 criminal statement and a civil statement.
95% of private investigators cannot take a proper witness statement of evidence.
How Are Witness Statements Collected?
We follow our Police method of statement taking. We use something called the PEACE model. P….E…A…C…E
P…Preparation. Prepare for the statement. Have you got the facts, information and evidence obtained so far? Prepare the witness.
E…Engage and explain. Support the witness. Explain the process. What will happen, how will the statement be taken, and what will happen to them and the statement?
A…Account. Verbally listen to their account, probe, clear up ambiguities and make sure you fully understand what their witness will say. Make a formal written statement.
C…Conclude. Revisit the statement with the witness. Make sure they are supported and happy with the content and subsequent process.
E…Evaluate. What has the witness provided? Does information need corroborating, does it contradict, and are there follow up enquiries that need to be made?
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…
“Expert Investigations offered a confidential, unbiased approach to a technically difficult investigation. Their ability to carry out sensitive structured interviews reduced the impact on personnel and allowed the investigation to conclude with little intrusion on the Service. Where qualified investigators are not within the portfolio of a Service, Expert Investigations are credible, cost effective and confidential service.”
Gene Ashe, Head of Prevention and Protection, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Our Private Investigators Today To Get Started
Dave Kearns is the Managing Director of Expert Investigations Group and one of the country’s leading experts on aspects of dishonest employees.
02476 630498 (Option 1)
Or alternatively, get in touch to discuss all your investigatory needs: