PFD445 - Evidence and Interviewing

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:10:23.743
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:02.367

Subject Title
Evidence and Interviewing

Subject Description
The ability to conduct interviews in a skillful and effective fashion is a critical requirement for law enforcement and public safety professionals.   In this interactive course, students explore the interview process and examine the professional practices and areas of legal knowledge required for successful questioning of witnesses, persons of interest, and criminal suspects. The course examines case law related to investigative interviewing, along with the procedures and rules used by law enforcement professionals when conducting interviews.  Students are introduced to a range of applied techniques used in the field, including the PEACE and REID models, cognitive witness interviewing and the non-accusatory interview technique.  Students also review examples of high profile interviews to assess the interviewing styles and techniques used by skilled investigators.

Credit Status
This is a Police Foundations Program prescribed credit subject.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.  Assess the legality of information gained through investigative interviews and how this information can be used either in courts of law or a tribunal setting.
2. Evaluate the different types of witnesses involved in an investigation through use of the “Cognitive Witness” interview technique.
3. Identify the signs of deception in a subject's verbal responses and body movements
4.  Examine research into deception analysis and its utility for investigations.
5.  Evaluate commonly used interview techniques, including REID, PEACE and the non-accusatory interview technique.
6.  Describe the applications and key features involved in statement analysis.
7.  Practice the interview process through participation in applied exercises and scenario-based learning.
8.  Describe successful interview practices used in high-profile cases.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.