COMMON BARRIERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERVIEWS
COMMON BARRIERS Being rushed
Not taking time to put the person at ease
Assuming the person will tell you if they don’t understand
Doing all the talking. Firing question after question.
Too much information, long sentences, or double-barrelled questions
Giving more information without making sure that the person has understood
Asking closed questions or leading questions that suggest an answer
Rushing/not waiting for the answer. Needing to fill the silence. Adding more information when the person is still thinking about the last piece.
Legal jargon, technical language, double negatives
Impatient or worried body language Problem solving instead of listening
TIPS Allow plenty of time
Build rapport, start with something easy and of interest to the person
Invite the person to say, or point to a visual aid, if they aren’t sure what you mean
Let the person tell the story in their own words and in their own time first, then clarify
One piece of information or question at a time
Check understanding and ensure the person knows this is to make sure you’ve explained well
Ask open questions and encourage the person to tell their story at their own pace
Allow time for a response even if it feels slightly uncomfortable. Be prepared to wait longer than you normally would.
Use plain everyday language and ask the person to repeat instructions or concepts in their own words
Sit off-square to the person, have an open body posture, lean forward slightly, make eye contact (where appropriate), and use relaxed body language
Check for understanding
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