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The Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing

The Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing merges core Reid tenets of rapport-centric evidence-based questioning with protocols established by the United Kingdom’s “College of Policing” on Authorized Professional Practices for law enforcement.

For over seven decades, John E. Reid & Associates, Inc., has advanced the art of investigative interviewing through reliance upon a non-coercive approach combined with persuasive argumentation to establish facts, assess interviewee credibility, and obtain admissions against interest that are both voluntary as well as reliable. The Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method narrows the interviewing scope to evidence-based inquires as the sole means of eliciting truthful disclosures from suspects, witnesses, and victims of unlawful behavior.

This program’s singular focus upon evidence-based questioning is a natural outgrowth of the origins of the Reid Technique. Its developers, John E. Reid and Fred E. Inbau, were both attorneys who were well trained in direct and cross examination. Those tools have always been embedded within the Reid Technique along with a firm commitment toward respecting the legal rights and human dignity of the accused. This program builds upon that unique Reid/Inbau legacy of integrating into the investigative interviewing process those same constitutional safeguards and courtroom skills through its current instructor who, in addition to having spent decades in the interrogation room, is an experienced attorney.

It should be understood, however, that course participants in the Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing will not receive instruction in the “Reid Nine Steps of Interrogation” or the “Reid Behavior Analysis Interview”. Those elements remain fully available within traditional Reid Interview and Interrogation training programs.

COURSE OVERVIEW:

Introduction to the Course on the Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing

  1. Course Objectives
  2. History and Development of John E. Reid & Associates
  3. Course Content Description
  4. PART ONE: Behavior Symptom Analysis (See below for explanation.)
  5. PART TWO: The Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing (See below for explanation.)

PART ONE: Behavior Symptom Analysis

Behavior Symptom Analysis: An Overview

  1. Introduction
  2. External Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Behavior Symptoms
  3. Internal Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Behavior Symptoms
  4. Manner of Observing and Evaluating Behavior Symptoms

Behavioral Attitudes Indicative of Truth or Deception

  1. Behavioral Attitudes Common to Both Truthful and Deceptive Subjects
  2. Typical Truthful Behavioral Attitudes
  3. Typical Deceptive Behavioral Attitudes

Nonverbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception

  1. Assessment of Posture
  2. Body Postures
  3. Evaluating Specific Gestures and Movements
  4. Facial Expressions
  5. Eye Contact

Verbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception

  1. Principles of Verbal Behavior Symptoms
  2. Guidelines for Distinguishing Truthful from Deceptive Verbal Responses

Paralinguistic Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception

  1. Significance of Paralinguistic Communication
  2. Guidelines for Evaluating Paralinguistic Behavior

PART TWO: The Reid P.E.A.C.E. Method of Investigative Interviewing

Phase I: Planning and Preparation

This phase explores preliminary considerations before beginning a questioning session. Among them are fact analysis; definition of interview objectives; identification of evidence that may be freely discussed as well as evidence which must be withheld for validation of any admissions against interest; establishment of an appropriate interview environment; and development of background information about the interviewee.

Phase II: Engage and Explain

During this phase, rapport that is based upon mutuality of respect is established between interviewer and interviewee. To the extent permissible, the subject matter of the interview is explained and a dialogue between the parties is developed. If relevant, conditions of control are addressed for the personal safety of both interviewer and interviewee.

Phase III: Account

This is the questioning portion of the interview wherein the full extent of an interviewee's knowledge, alibi, or sensory perceptions are elicited. Free recall is initially encouraged through "open-ended" questions that narrow to "specific-closed", "forced choice", and "leading" questions as a means of refining the quality and quantity of information disclosed. Trial practice principles of direct and cross examination are included among the questioning protocols. Ambiguities are clarified; and challenges may be issued to the veracity of the information being disclosed if "admissions against interest" are included among potential objectives during the "Planning and Preparation" phase.


Phase IV: Closure

This phase involves confirmation of accuracy of all information developed during the interview as well as setting the stage for possible future interviews with the same interviewee.

Phase V: Evaluation

This phase involves an "after-action evaluation" of the efficacy of the interview. Were the goals achieved? Are there additional interviews required, either of the same interviewee or of others? Are there additional investigative initiatives required to address unanswered questions resulting from the interview? Has the interviewee's credibility been impeached or bolstered? Could the interviewee's own performance have been better, so that future interviews are more effective?