FROMTHEEXPERTS
FROMTHEEXPERTS
WHY INVESTIGATORS SHOULD CONDUCT IN-PERSON WITNESS INTERVIEWS
By Amber Kaset
When it comes to legal investigations , the approach to gathering information can make a world of difference . Over the years , I ’ ve honed a proven strategy that sets me apart from other investigators : conducting in-person interviews without giving the witness advance notice .
I ’ ve been an investigator for two decades . Time and time again , I am reminded why this is the best practice for interviewing in most types of cases . Many investigators still believe that calling a witness on the phone is the best way to conduct an interview . Wrong . Others believe calling a witness beforehand to set up a date and time to meet in person is the best way to conduct an interview . Wrong again . Before you brush off this advice , keep an open mind and keep reading .
Great interviewing often requires setting aside conventional social etiquette . Typically , showing up unannounced or asking deeply personal questions can feel intrusive or inappropriate in everyday contexts . However , in the realm of investigations , these practices are necessary tools — adopting approaches that might not feel “ normal ” or “ socially appropriate ” by usual standards is part of the job . Despite the initial discomfort , conducting interviews this way has consistently yielded incredible results time and again . Once you ’ ve experienced the effectiveness of breaking these social “ rules ,” it ’ s hard to deny the value — there ’ s no going back .
18 x The Trial Lawyer