SFJ CJ201
Interview suspects in relation to priority and volume investigations

Overview
/ This unit focuses on interviewing suspects in priority and volume investigations. Linked NOS units are CJ101 and CI101.
This unit covers interviews with suspects who are under arrest and those who are not under arrest, whether the interview is conducted at police premises or elsewhere. Whilst in many cases interviews are conducted by two officers, you will need to be able to carry out all of the activities described in this unit.
You must plan and prepare for the interview by developing an interview plan, assessing the suspect's fitness for interview, and setting up an appropriate location. You must conduct the interview in accordance with legislation, policy and other guidelines using appropriate interviewing techniques and communication skills. Finally, you are expected to evaluate the interview (including your own performance) and take any necessary further action.
There are three elements
  1. Plan and prepare interviews with suspects
  2. Conduct interviews with suspects
  3. Evaluate interviews with suspects and carry out post-interview processes
Target Group
This unit is aimed at those who undertake interviews with suspects in relation to priority and volume investigations.
Performance criteria
You must be able to: / Plan and prepare interviews with suspects
P1review all the available material relating to the incident
P2assess any factors affecting the suspect's fitness for interview and the necessity for appropriate people to be in attendance
P3consult with relevant others to plan the interview
P4establish the appropriate time, location and resources for the interview
P5determine the extent of, and supply, appropriate pre-interview briefing to legal advisors
You must be able to: / Conduct interviews with suspects
P6assume responsibility for, and maintain security and welfare of, the suspect and relevant others, where applicable
P7inform all present of their rights and responsibilities in the interview process and check their understanding
P8give the required caution and evidential/special warnings to the suspect and check their understanding
P9record the interview using the relevant resources and documentation
P10interview the suspect using appropriate interviewing techniques and communication methods
P11deal with individuals in an ethical manner, recognising their others in respect of race, diversity and human rights
P12where necessary, use exhibits appropriately during the interview
P13deal with contingencies in accordance with current guidelines and codes of practice
P14clearly inform the suspect and relevant others, where applicable, when the interview is concluded of all relevant information and the next steps
P15complete all relevant documentation to reflect all decisions, actions, options and rationale in accordance with current policy and legislation
You must be able to: / Evaluate interviews conducted with suspects and carry out post-interview processes
P16evaluate the interview to identify the necessary further action and update relevant others
P17take or arrange the required immediate action in respect of information obtained
P18evaluate all the available material as a result of the interview and other action
P19evaluate your own performance in the interview and identify any learning points
Knowledge and understanding
You need to know and understand: / Legal and organisational requirements
K1current, relevant legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice, doctrineand guidelines in relation conducting interviews
K2current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation torace, diversity and human rights
K3current, relevant legislation and organisational requirements in relation tohealth, safety and welfare
K4how to deal with suspects and relevant others in an ethical and effectivemanner
K5the rights of suspects
You need to know and understand: / Interview preparation
K6how to evaluate material and plan an interview strategy
K7how to establish the suspect's fitness for interview
K8the suitable timings for interviews
K9the locations in which interviews can take place
K10the environmental conditions which are conducive to interviews
K11who to consult with regarding the interview strategy
K12the points to prove for the incident(s) concerned
K13how to deal with potential defences and reasonable explanations and motives
You need to know and understand: / Interviewing suspects
K14the roles of the relevant others in interviews
K15the procedures and reasons for assuming responsibility for suspects
K16how to maintain the security and welfare of the suspect and others
K17how to check the suspect's understanding of the relevant criminal justice processes
K18how to record the interview
K19the types of approved interviewing techniques and communication methods
K20the types of contingencies that may arise during interview and how these should be dealt with
K21the procedures and reasons for handing over responsibility for suspects in police detention to the Custody Officer on completion of interviews
You need to know and understand: / Evaluating the interview
K22how to evaluate the interview and your own performance in the interview
K23the types of further action which may be taken and how these should be initiated
K24how to update relevant others and the information they will require
You need to know and understand: / Documentation
K25the relevant interview documentation and how to complete it correctly
K26the reasons why endorsements may be required

Additional Information

Scope/range related to performance criteria / Plan and prepare interviews with suspects
  1. factors
  2. intoxication (drink or drugs)
  3. behaviour
  4. age
  5. physical disorder/disability
  6. learning disability
  7. mental health
  1. material
  2. information
  3. object
  4. written documentation
  5. audio recording
  6. passive data generators
  7. visual images
  1. relevant others
  2. prosecutors
  3. appropriate adults
  4. healthcare professionals
  5. custody officer
  6. officers required for legal authorities
  7. interpreters
  1. location
  2. at the scene
  3. police premises
  4. public, private or business premises
  5. healthcare facility
  6. custodial establishment
  7. public place
  1. resources
  2. audio recording equipment
  3. video recording equipment
  4. appropriate documentation
  5. exhibits
Conduct interviews with suspects
  1. resources
  2. audio recording equipment
  3. video recording equipment
  4. appropriate documentation
  1. documentation
  2. interview notes
  3. pocket notebook
  4. criminal justice statements, including victim personal statements
  5. national documents
  6. local documents
  7. exhibits
  1. contingencies
  2. medical
  3. welfare
  4. legal
  5. abusive and aggressive behaviour
  6. technical faults
  7. complaints
  8. environmental conditions
  1. relevant others
  2. legal representatives
  3. appropriate adults
  4. healthcare professionals
  5. custody officer
  6. interpreters
  7. colleagues
Evaluate interviews conducted with suspects and carry outpost-interview processes
  1. action
  2. charge a suspect
  3. release a suspect
  4. arrest a suspect
  5. no further action
  6. further lines of enquiry
  1. relevant others
  2. legal representatives
  3. appropriate adults
  4. healthcare professionals
  5. custody officer
  6. officers required for legal authorities
  7. interpreters
  8. victims/witnesses

Developed by / Skills for Justice
Version number / 2
Date approved / May 2008
Indicative review date / May 2013
Validity / Current
Status / Original
Originating organisation / Skills for Justice
Original URN / SFJ 2H2
Relevant occupations / Public Services; Public Service and Other Associate Professionals;
Suite / Policing and Law Enforcement
Key words / interview, suspects, priority, volume, investigation, arrest

SFJ CJ201 Interview suspects in relation to priority and volume investigations1