Forget What You’ve Been Taught: Building Trust Beats Chasing Confessions with Mark Anderson

In this episode, Dave Thompson and Mark Anderson discuss the evolution of interview and interrogation techniques, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth over mere confessions. They explore the pressures faced by investigators, the impact of recording interviews, and the biases that can affect forensic evidence. Mark shares personal experiences that highlight the need for strategic empathy and the importance of continuous learning in the field. In this conversation, Mark Anderson and Dave Thompson discuss the intricacies of effective interviewing, emphasizing the importance of behavior, trauma awareness, and the need for active listening. They explore how planning and preparation can enhance interview outcomes and the significance of building credibility and confidence in communication. The discussion highlights the transferable skills applicable across various fields, reinforcing the idea that effective communication is essential in all interactions.

Learn more about Mark here: Mark Anderson - Anderson Investigative

Truths:

• Changing the purpose of an interview from confession-seeking to truth-seeking is crucial.
• Pressure on investigators often comes from leadership that doesn't understand modern techniques.
• Recording interviews can provide valuable insights and reduce bias.
• Bias in forensic evidence can be mitigated by limiting information given to forensic experts.
• After-action reviews can improve performance across various fields, not just law enforcement.
• Strategic empathy is essential in interviews, especially in sensitive cases.
• Old habits in interviewing can be difficult to break, but it's necessary for progress.
• The importance of a team approach in reviewing investigations is often overlooked.
• Continuous learning and adapting to new research is vital for effective interviewing.
• Personal experiences can shape how investigators approach sensitive topics in interviews. We need to change where we are here.
• Trauma has a huge effect on memory recall.
• Planning is indispensable for effective interviews.
• Sincerity breeds credibility in communication.
• Interviewing is a professional skill set that requires practice.