Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 159

Linda Fielder

A thoughtful and thorough interview provides valuable information to support an animal cruelty investigation. The subject of the interview may be a witness or a suspect. Law enforcement and animal control officers are the most common interviewers; however, veterinarians, veterinary staff, and animal shelter employees may find themselves conducting interviews when animal cruelty cases present themselves in their clinic or shelter. An investigator or veterinarian who asks thoughtful and open‐ended questions, understands the importance of building rapport with the subject, and conducts the interview in a respectful and ethical manner will gain useful insight into the facts of the case.

The interviewer bears the responsibility of asking questions that are direct, specific, and easily understood. They must listen to, understand, and ask for clarity when the need arises. A great interviewer is adept at formulating follow‐up questions that encourage the subject to elaborate and offer additional details. A useful subject interview serves as a roadmap for an investigation. By following up on information provided by the subject, the investigator gathers the building blocks of the case which will support or refute the evidence of the crime.