The FIT
What is the FIT?
The tool takes the form of a downloadable app that users can install on any type of mobile device. Underpinned by psychological principles relating to memory, rapport and information retrieval, the tool can be used to ensure that effective evaluation of interviews takes place to ensure that interviewer skillset and ability is maintained, and interviews comply with organisational standards and quality.
Why was the FIT developed?
The FIT was developed to provide interviewers with a tool to conduct effective evaluations of their interview to:
- Examine evidential leads/behavioural aspects that were successful and could be used with interviewees of similar characteristics, and;
- Assess the quality of interviews for ongoing and continuous professional development and skill maintenance.
An integral part of all criminal investigations is obtaining an accurate and reliable account from all those involved. Quite often, the interview is the only source of evidence, particularly in non-recent cases or where there is little or no forensic evidence, or in live investigations where the evidence may not yet have been identified. Being able to obtain accurate and reliable information is essential in effective decision-making and furthering the investigation.
Conducting interviews can be particularly challenging, especially where the investigation is complex. Although various models of interviewing advocate for the effective evaluation of interviews (see the PEACE model of interviewing for example), there remains some challenges in conducting evaluations of interviews. Quite often, there is a perceived lack of time and until recently, there has not been a tool that will assist individuals in conducting a full and effective evaluation of the interview process.
The FIT provides the means to conduct a full evaluation of any type of interview conducted with any type of interviewee in any country or jurisdiction. By providing interviewers with such a tool, it encourages evaluation to take place which assists the investigation by exploring evidential leads, but will also lead to the maintenance of interviewer skill (rather than a decline in skillset). Furthermore, given that the FIT has been developed based on psychological principles relating to memory, rapport and information retrieval, the quality of the interview can be assessed using a standardised tool in line with current best practice regardless of jurisdiction.
How does the FIT work?
The FIT software takes the form of a downloadable app that users can install on any type of mobile device.
The user is required to complete a few basic details pertaining to the interview being analysed and is then taken to the main analyses page. Here, the user will analyse the interview based on question type, the type of rapport and empathy demonstrated by the interviewer, the type of engagement from the interviewee and the level of information obtained. Users can add turning points or focus change to identify significant points in the interview and can add notes throughout to record important points. The more information the user inputs, the more developed the visual trace becomes providing immediate feedback to the interviewer regarding the quality of their interview.
Following the analysis, the FIT produces visual outputs that provide easy feedback to users, and which can be used to help further maintain and/or develop interviewer skill.
The tool can be used to analyse the interview live as it is occurring, or used to reflect upon the interview once it has been conducted.