This article is the second in a two-part series on internal investigations best practices. As discussed in the first part of the series, once proper protocols are established, the on-site investigation can proceed.
In the second part of this series, we focus on the role that interviews play in the investigation. The approaches and techniques used in interviews will vary based on the type of interviews conducted. For purposes of this article, we will be focusing on “fact-gathering interviews” and “admission-seeking interviews.” A fact-gathering interview is an interview designed to gather facts and to further inform the investigation; this type of interview typically is conducted with witnesses. An admission-seeking interview is an interview designed to encourage a suspect to admit wrongdoing.