Investigative Interviewing

When you need Police style interviewing, statement taking and investigations.

Stealth Probe’s Investigative 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?

Therefore, 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.

On the other hand, 95% of private investigators cannot take a proper witness statement of evidence.

Collecting Witness Statements

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.

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. Moreover, make sure they are supported.

E…Evaluate. What has the witness provided? Does information need corroborating? Is the information contradictory? Do you need to make follow up enquiries?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can A Statement Be Used As Criminal Evidence?

YES. Depending on the nature of the issue being investigated and the client’s desired outcome. As a matter of fact, this will dictate how the statement will be used.

There are two types of statements of evidence: a Police style Section 9 statement and a civil one. Different rules apply to each statement.

Can A Witness Refuse To Give A Statement?

In theory, ‘yes,’ but our experience shows the majority do give statements. They can be given anonymously, therefore not identifying the witness.
Our team put the witness at ease and take them through a step by step process, so the witnesses are comfortable giving their statements. In summary, as former Police Detectives, we have taken 1000s of statements over our careers.

Is A Witness Statement Confidential?

That depends on the nature of the investigation. If this will be a matter that will be going to court then the witness statement may be used in the court evidence. In an internal investigation, it will generally be confidential. As a result, a witness statement can be given anonymously and not identify the witness.

After that, the witness should always be given a detailed explanation of what the statement is for and the potential use and identification of the witness.