McCann's poignant 2019 Christmas message to supporters.

[G-Unit]

Working with victims and witnesses
The success of any investigation depends largely on the accuracy and detail of the material obtained from witnesses. Investigators, whether tasked with a volume crime or major investigation, must recognise the individual needs and concerns of witnesses and treat them with dignity and respect. This can have a significant impact on how witnesses cooperate with the investigation and any subsequent prosecution.

Professionalism and integrity
Interviewing is complex. It requires learning and practice to ensure that high standards are achieved and maintained.

An interview may not be used solely for obtaining information about an investigation. It may also be used to provide witnesses and victims with important information, for example, about court proceedings, protection of identity, special measures, disclosure, intermediaries and witness protection.

In any interview it is essential that the investigator acts with professionalism and integrity. The following will support this.

Establishing a professional relationship
People are more likely to give accurate information if they trust the professionalism of the interviewer. The interviewee should be treated fairly and in accordance with legislative guidelines. Interviewers must not allow their personal opinions or beliefs to affect the way in which they deal with witnesses, victims or suspects.

The importance of being methodical
Being methodical helps both the interviewer and interviewee. Planning, preparation and ensuring that the interview plan is followed, and that answers are linked are all part of being methodical. The PEACE interview model also helps.

Personal style
Style matters because it affects the motivation of the interviewee to be accurate and relevant in their replies. Establishing a rapport means being genuinely open, interested and approachable, as well as being interested in the interviewee’s feelings or welfare.
https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/victims-and-witnesses/

I see nothing there recommending pre-interview discussions.

[Brietta]

I see nothing there recommending pre-interview discussions.

OK ... your turn now to show yours.

[G-Unit]

OK ... your turn now to show yours.

My what?

[Vertigo Swirl]

Objectives of the interview

Before starting an interview, the objectives of the interview should be explained to the interviewee, and they should be provided with an outline or route map of it.

For example, interviewers may say:

‘During this interview I will talk to you about (list objectives).’
Then go on to explain:

‘I will also ask you about anything else which may become relevant during the interview in order to properly establish the facts and issues.’
Routines and expectations

It is good practice to explain to the interviewee that if they nod or shake their head the interviewer will state that they have done so. It should also be explained that notes will be taken during the interview.

It may be useful to inform the interviewee that although the police wish to establish certain facts and issues, it is the interviewee’s opportunity to explain their involvement or non-involvement in the incident under investigation.

Investigators should encourage the interviewee to voice anything which they feel is relevant, explaining that there is no time limit for the interview and that as much detail as possible is required, encouraging the interviewee to voice anything which they feel is relevant.

The interviewee should be reassured that they will not be interrupted. It may be appropriate to ask the interviewee to consider fully any question they are being asked before they answer.

https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/investigative-interviewing/#planning-and-preparation

[Vertigo Swirl]

My what?

You’ve made an insinuation, now time to explain yourself fully.  With cites preferably.

[Mr Gray]

The tapas were interviewed as witnesses... It's quite normal to take an informal approach from my personal experience... Being interviewed as a suspect is totally different

[Brietta]

My what?

You asked for a link to interview techniques with which you have been provided; in a nutshell I think the cite I provided gives indications of ways in which to relax a witness and gain a rapport which will encourage the witness to impart as much information as remembered.

I think that is the technique as recorded in the rogatory interviews, which you have criticised in your post saying, "The rogatory interviews were very friendly, weren't they? It seems little off-the-record rehearsals chats took place too in some cases before the actual interviews were recorded."

I have provided a cite to back up my previous assertion in reply that you evidenced ignorance of interview techniques.

The ball is now in your court to supply a cite substantiating the insinuation made in your post.

[The General]

You asked for a link to interview techniques with which you have been provided; in a nutshell I think the cite I provided gives indications of ways in which to relax a witness and gain a rapport which will encourage the witness to impart as much information as remembered.

I think that is the technique as recorded in the rogatory interviews, which you have criticised in your post saying, "The rogatory interviews were very friendly, weren't they? It seems little off-the-record rehearsals chats took place too in some cases before the actual interviews were recorded."

I have provided a cite to back up my previous assertion in reply that you evidenced ignorance of interview techniques.

The ball is now in your court to supply a cite substantiating the insinuation made in your post.

This is another galaxy off topic.
What about the poignant message?
Get a grip kids.

[Brietta]

Objectives of the interview

Before starting an interview, the objectives of the interview should be explained to the interviewee, and they should be provided with an outline or route map of it.

For example, interviewers may say:

‘During this interview I will talk to you about (list objectives).’
Then go on to explain:

‘I will also ask you about anything else which may become relevant during the interview in order to properly establish the facts and issues.’
Routines and expectations

It is good practice to explain to the interviewee that if they nod or shake their head the interviewer will state that they have done so. It should also be explained that notes will be taken during the interview.

It may be useful to inform the interviewee that although the police wish to establish certain facts and issues, it is the interviewee’s opportunity to explain their involvement or non-involvement in the incident under investigation.

Investigators should encourage the interviewee to voice anything which they feel is relevant, explaining that there is no time limit for the interview and that as much detail as possible is required, encouraging the interviewee to voice anything which they feel is relevant.

The interviewee should be reassured that they will not be interrupted. It may be appropriate to ask the interviewee to consider fully any question they are being asked before they answer.

https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/investigative-interviewing/#planning-and-preparation

I would call that a case of putting an interviewee at ease in what might be an entirely unusual situation which by its very nature might be very stressful and unsettling for some.
I find it extraordinary that doing so and ensuring that the interviewee fully understands the process can be seen as anything other than it is.

[Vertigo Swirl]

This is another galaxy off topic.
What about the poignant message?
Get a grip kids.

haven’t you got important analysis to end getting on with?

[G-Unit]

haven’t you got important analysis to end getting on with?

In other words 'What's going on? Tell me, tell me!' 

[Mr Gray]

In other words 'What's going on? Tell me, tell me!' 

I think it's more poking fun.... Holly has set herself up as a super sleuth where she claims everyone else has failed... She claims the case was simple to solve and we're all a bit thick not to have seen what she saw. Isn't it normal to expect her to come up with something substantial

[The General]

haven’t you got important analysis to end getting on with?

I'm working on the timeframes as laid out by the ECHR.
Expect a preliminary terms of reference, scoping document in Q3 2027.

On a serious note, I'm on it, like the hood of an automobile.

[Holly Goodhead]

I think it's more poking fun.... Holly has set herself up as a super sleuth where she claims everyone else has failed... She claims the case was simple to solve and we're Al a bit thick not to have seen what she saw. Isn't it normal to expect her to come up with something substantial

Where have I said everyone else has failed and others are a bit thick?  Its not me that denigrates those that read The Sun and watch 'Loose Women'!

It can help being a Johnny-come-lately.  I've also looked at other cases and can see common themes.  Plus I am not remotely interested in wasting time and energy on the supporter/sceptic thing. 

[Vertigo Swirl]

In other words 'What's going on? Tell me, tell me!' 

yes, I can’t bear the suspense, it’s even affecting my appetite, I’m so excited.