Investigative Interviewing Techniques: The PEACE Model
A PEACE-ful phased interview model is more likely to yield the information you need. (Peace Model Conflict Resolution)
It sometimes seems as though there are as many interviewing techniques as there are interviewers. Some organizations use a forceful interviewing style, akin to law enforcement interview techniques like interrogation, while some methods are all about building rapport and coaxing information out of interview subjects. But when an interviewer is in the midst of conducting a workplace investigation with a reluctant witness, a vociferous complainant and a CEO screaming for a resolution, technique can sometimes fall by the wayside.
That’s why it’s so important for an organization to have an established set of interviewing best practices for investigators to fall back on when the going gets tough. Establishing and reinforcing the use of a proven method for interviewing helps to keep investigators out of the grey area that falls somewhere between a failed interview and a lawsuit. In your next conflict resolution interview, consider using the PEACE model for the following reasons.
Download your free PEACE Method cheat sheet to learn how to use this interview model successfully.
Reduce False Confessions
An interrogation style of interviewing meant to intimidate the subject can bring about a false confession if it's used too aggressively. This method can confuse the subject or stress them out; they might feel so uncomfortable that they say anything to get the interviewer to back off. Just think how dangerous and counterproductive that can be. There is probably a time and place to use these methods, but in general, it’s falling out of favor as a preferred interviewing style.
It’s far easier, and probably safer, to get a true confession or corroboration from a subject who is relaxed and secure. A subject who is fearful may not be truthful.
Gathering accurate details and truthful accounts from interviewees is important for a few reasons. First, it protects the subject. They don't have to confess to something they didn't do and suffer the consequences that come with that. It also protects the company from a potential wrongful termination or discipline lawsuit from that person later. Finally, the organization won't base their preventive measures and policy changes on false information and problems that don't really exist.
How to Use the PEACE Model of Interviewing
One method of investigative interviewing, known as the PEACE model, assumes the above: that a relaxed subject with whom the interviewer has rapport, is more likely to cooperate. Not to mention that it’s far more pleasant for both parties if the atmosphere isn’t charged with aggression and intimidation. Modern interview techniques like this one focus more on human communication than simply trying to extract information by any means possible.
The PEACE Model was developed in the early 1990s as a collaborative effort between law enforcement and psychologists in England and Wales. It was conceived as a way to stem the proliferation of false confessions resulting from more accusatory interviewing styles and techniques.
What does PEACE stand for in conflict resolution?
In investigative interviewing, PEACE stands for:
- Preparation and Planning
- Engage and Explain
- Account, Clarify, and Challenge
- Closure
- Evaluation
A non-accusatory, information-gathering approach to investigative interviewing, the PEACE model conflict resolution is considered to be best practice and is suitable for any type of interviewee, victim, witness, or suspect.
Preparation and Planning
Before beginning any investigation interview, ensure you have deep knowledge of the case:
- Create a schedule of topics you will need to cover
- Identify the purpose, aims and objectives of the interview.
- Decide what needs to be proven or clarified, what evidence is available and where it is and how to get any other evidence needed.
To learn more about the 5 steps of a peaceful investigation interview, check out this webinar: Ethical Investigation Interviews: The PEACE Model.
Engage and Explain
Build rapport with the interview subject by introducing yourself and anyone else present and explain the purpose of the interview. Engage the interview subject in conversation to set a relaxed and non-confrontational tone that makes the subject feel comfortable and willing to communicate.
Account
This is the meat of the interview, where you find out what happened by asking your interview subject to recall the event in full detail.
You can encourage the subject’s recollection using one or both of these two methods: cognitive approach and conversation management.
Cognitive approach: Ask the subject to describe the event. Don’t interrupt or ask leading questions, but use pauses to encourage the subject to fill in gaps. Then, ask them to recall the event again, but in reverse order or from a different perspective.
Conversation management: Ask the subject to tell you what happened. Then divide the story into sections and ask for more detail about each section. Probe and summarize each segment to fill in all the gaps. Ask the subject to clarify any contradictory information.
Closure and Evaluation
Summarize the main points of the subject’s account and allow them to correct errors or provide additional information to clarify any inconsistencies. Answer questions and address any concerns they may have. Thank the subject and explain the next steps.
Evaluate each interview and the information provided. Take this opportunity to reflect on your performance and identify areas where you need to improve:
- Did you achieve your objectives?
- Were you successful in building rapport?
- Do you need to conduct more interviews or make other inquiries?
How Case IQ Can Help
Case IQ's modern case management software helps investigators conduct more effective, efficient, consistent, and secure investigations. Investigators can store all of their evidence, including interview notes and recordings, right in the case file, so you won't have to waste time looking for case details stored in multiple locations. Learn how Case IQ can help you streamline your investigative process and save you time and money here.
FAQ's
What is the PEACE model of interviews?
The PEACE interview model is a non-accusatory, information-gathering approach to investigative interviewing, consisting of five key steps: preparation and planning, engage and explain, account, clarify, and challenge, closure, and evaluation.
How does the PEACE model apply to cognitive interviewing?
The PEACE model applies to cognitive interviewing by fostering a relaxed atmosphere, building rapport, and encouraging cooperative behavior from the interviewee, which can lead to more accurate and detailed information retrieval during the interview process.
In which step in the PEACE method of investigative interviewing process should the interviewer listen and establish a rapport with the person they are interviewing?
The step in the PEACE method of investigative interviewing process where the interviewer should listen and establish rapport with the person they are interviewing is "Engage and Explain."