Episodi

  • If you were the victim of a crime, what would you want to happen to the person responsible?

    How would you manage grief, anger and forgiveness?

    In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, a Certified Forensic Interviewer speaks with Jeanne Bishop about her personal tragedy and her journey towards forgiveness and advocacy against the death penalty. Jeanne is an author, a professor at Northwestern University School of Law and an attorney at the Cook County Public Defender's Office.

    In this episode, Jeanne shares her story of losing her sister in a violent crime and how it shaped her views on justice and mercy. The conversation delves into the Oklahoma City bombing, her relationship with Bud Welch, father of Julie Welch - one of the victims of the horrific event. Jeanne also discusses the connection she formed with Bill McVeigh, the father of the bomber. Through their stories, Jeanne emphasizes the importance of compassion, understanding, and the power of communication in healing and reconciliation.

    Truths:

    Anger is a natural response to loss, but it can be managed.Forgiveness does not mean forgetting; it means letting go of anger.Each person has their own timetable on processing grief and anger.Allowing somebody to share their story without judgement helps in obtaining reliable, genuine information.Communication is key to understanding different perspectives.Healing is a personal journey that varies for everyone.Empathy can bridge the gap between victims and perpetrators' families.Jeanne's work emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy.
  • In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Brad Beeler, a former Secret Service agent, about the importance of communication in law enforcement and everyday life. They discuss the role of communication in interviews and interrogations, the significance of nonverbal cues, and the impact of assumptions on communication. Brad shares insights from his experience as a polygraph examiner and emphasizes the importance of honesty and mental preparedness in polygraph tests. They also touch on the challenges of communication in high-stress situations and the need for respect and rapport in building effective communication.

    In this conversation, Brad Beeler, discusses various topics related to polygraph examinations, protective detail, and effective communication. He addresses the use of countermeasures in polygraphs and the prevalence of myths surrounding them. Brad also shares his experience working in protective detail for the Bush administration and highlights the importance of advanced communication and event management in ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals. He emphasizes the use of all five senses in creating a comfortable environment and demonstrates the significance of non-verbal cues, such as handshakes and body language, in effective communication.

    Truths:

    Communication is a crucial skill in law enforcement and everyday life.Nonverbal cues, such as body language and vocal tonality, play a significant role in effective communication.Assumptions can hinder effective communication and should be challenged.Honesty and mental preparedness are key in polygraph tests.Respect and rapport are essential in building effective communication.Advanced communication and event management are crucial in protective detail to ensure the safety of high-profile individuals.Using all five senses and paying attention to non-verbal cues, such as handshakes and body language, can greatly enhance communication effectiveness.Continuous learning and improvement in communication skills are essential for becoming a better communicator.
  • Episodi mancanti?

    Fai clic qui per aggiornare il feed.

  • Can you be a more efficient and effective communicator? What is your response rate to emails? How do you approach somebody you've never met? Is elevator conversation an essential skill?

    Amy Reczek, founder and CEO of Sales and Presence, discusses the importance of effective communication in sales and beyond. She emphasizes the role of nonverbal behavior in building trust and rapport, and highlights the impact of small changes in verbal communication. Amy provides insights on how to personalize emails and avoid filler words to increase engagement and credibility. She also advises on the use of bullet points in emails to improve readability and engagement. Overall, Amy emphasizes the importance of authentic and intentional communication in building relationships and achieving success. In this conversation, Amy Reczek and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of effective communication in building relationships and achieving success. They emphasize the need to be clear, concise, and considerate in all forms of communication, whether it's written, verbal, or nonverbal. They also highlight the significance of preparation before meetings and conversations, including doing research on the other person and showing that you understand their needs and challenges. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of tangible takeaways, the value of fresh perspectives, and the art of follow-up. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical tips for improving communication skills.

    Thank you to Alto for supporting this episode! Visit www.alto.us to learn more.

    Nonverbal behavior plays a crucial role in building trust and rapport in sales and other areas of life.Small changes in verbal communication, such as personalizing emails and avoiding filler words, can have a significant impact on engagement and credibility.Using bullet points in emails can improve readability and make it easier for recipients to understand and respond to the message.Authentic and intentional communication is key to building relationships and achieving success. Effective communication is crucial for building relationships and achieving success.Preparation and research before meetings and conversations are essential.Tangible takeaways and fresh perspectives can make communication more impactful.Follow-up is important, but it should be done with frequency, strategy, and value in mind.
  • In this conversation, Dave Thompson, CFI and David Lund, CFI discuss various topics related to interviewing and investigations. They talk about their backgrounds and how they got into the field, the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, and the impact of interviewing skills in both professional and personal relationships.

    They also address common challenges and questions faced by loss prevention professionals, including the difficulty in protecting product while not impacting sales. Lund provides insights from his leadership experience on how to communicate effectively when challenged by business partners, the media or his own team.

    Lund also takes the hot-seat and provides his thoughts on how to handle some of the difficult questions faced by leaders in the loss prevention or asset protection industry. They emphasize the importance of safety and the use of technology in investigations. In this conversation, Dave Thompson and David Lund discuss the importance of recording interviews and the benefits it brings to both the interviewer and interviewee.

    They highlight the value of self-reflection and continuous learning in improving interviewing skills. They also emphasize the need for transparency and open communication in the interview process. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Elite Training Day and the unveiling of the new Certified Forensic Interviewer Exam.

    Truths:

    Treating people with dignity and respect is crucial in both professional and personal relationships.Loss prevention professionals should focus on building positive relationships with other departments and external partners.The role of loss prevention is not just about preventing theft, but also about ensuring the safety of employees and customers.Investigative interviewing is a skill that can be applied in various aspects of life.Technology plays a significant role in investigations, including the use of cameras, license plate readers, and facial recognition. Recording interviews can improve interviewer behavior and adherence to training and policies.Watching or listening to recorded interviews allows for self-reflection and improvement.Continuous learning and curiosity are essential for professional growth.Transparency and open communication are key in the interview process.Elite Training Day will feature the unveiling of CFI 2.0, an evidence-based update to the Certified Forensic Interviewer designation.
  • In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Liz Pol, a Chicago police officer with expertise in trauma and suicide among first responders. They discuss the prevalence of suicide in the law enforcement world and the need for proactive measures to address mental health. They also explore how trauma affects individuals in various professions, such as retail and healthcare. Liz emphasizes the importance of communication and psychoeducation in creating awareness and providing resources for mental wellness. They discuss the role of leadership in creating a safe space for employees to share th

    Suicide is of high risk among first responders, and it is important to address the root causes and provide proactive measures for mental wellness.Trauma and mental health issues are not limited to the law enforcement world; individuals in various professions, such as retail and healthcare, can also be affected.Creating awareness and providing psychoeducation about trauma and mental health can help individuals understand their own responses and seek appropriate resources.Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a safe space for employees to share their struggles and promoting mental wellness in the workplace.Training and protocols are needed to address mental health issues and provide practical tools for individuals to navigate and cope with trauma.Increase awareness and understanding of suicide among first respondersBreak the cycle of business as usual after a suicide occursOpen conversations and training are essential to prevent suicideIdentify and address risk factors and triggers for suicidePromote protective factors and support systemsDebriefings and self-care are crucial after traumatic incidentsSeek resources and support for suicide prevention

    eir struggles and the need for training and protocols to address mental health issues. The conversation with Liz Pol focused on the topic of suicide prevention among first responders. Liz discussed the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding suicide, and the need for a proactive approach to address the issue. She emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of business as usual after a suicide occurs and the need for open conversations and training to increase awareness and knowledge. Liz also highlighted the risk factors and triggers for suicide among first responders, such as stress, trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, and sleep deprivation. She emphasized the need for protective factors and support systems to prevent suicide. Liz discussed the challenges of sharing information with loved ones without placing blame and the importance of debriefings and self-care in the aftermath of traumatic incidents. She provided resources and encouraged individuals to reach out for help and support.

    For more resources on this topic or to contact Liz directly, visit About Me | Resilient Heroes (resilient-heroes.com)

    Truths:

  • In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews An Gaiser, an expert in nonverbal assessments and intelligence and security screenings. An shares her background and how her personal experiences led her to study behavior and psychopathy. She discusses her work as a probation officer and the challenges of working with individuals who have made poor decisions. An also talks about her role as a security clearance officer and the pressure of making decisions about someone's clearance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding people's drivers and motives in order to elicit information. An addresses the misconceptions about nonverbal behavior and deception, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to interpreting behavior. In this conversation, An Gaiser and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of context and self-awareness in investigative interviewing. They emphasize the need for interviewers to understand their own impact on the interviewee's behavior and to be aware of their own non-verbal cues. They also discuss the limitations of body language analysis and the dangers of making judgments without proper contextual information. An Gaiser shares her experiences in training intelligence officers and her approach to combining non-verbal assessment, conversational skills, and understanding behavior in her method. The conversation concludes with the importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in building trust and understanding others.

    Learn more about An here: Home - www.angaiser.com

    Truths:

    Understanding people's drivers and motives is crucial for eliciting information.Misconceptions about nonverbal behavior and deception exist, and there is no single behavior indicative of deception.A comprehensive approach that combines scientific knowledge and scenario building is necessary for interpreting behavior.The role of an interviewer or investigator is to be aware of their own impact and manage their judgments.High-stakes conversations require empathy and understanding, even when dealing with individuals who have made poor decisions. Understanding context is crucial in investigative interviewingInterviewers should be aware of their own impact on the interviewee's behaviorBody language analysis has limitations and should be used with cautionCombining non-verbal assessment, conversational skills, and understanding behavior is key in effective interviewingSelf-reflection and vulnerability are important in building trust and understanding others
  • It’s difficult to be upset when you are snuggling up with a loving dog. In this episode, Det. Bianca Becker from UCF describes her experiences working with K9 Luna, the department’s therapy dog. Luna helps victims of sexual assault feel more comfortable and relaxed, which in turn helps them open up to the Detectives. The presence of Luna also helps build rapport, trust and provide comfort for victims. This episode explores the wide range of crimes that Campus police handle, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion. Luna is also outsourced to other agencies in need of a therapy dog. The use of therapy dogs like Luna has been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma. Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews. Detective Bianca Becker discusses the impact of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews, specifically in cases of sexual assault. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed interviewing, allowing the interviewee to dictate the narrative, and providing a safe and comfortable environment. Luna, the therapy dog, plays a crucial role in creating a calming and supportive atmosphere for victims and witnesses. Luna's presence helps victims feel more comfortable, open up about their experiences, and build trust with law enforcement. The use of therapy dogs also extends to the department itself, providing emotional support for first responders and helping to alleviate secondary trauma. Detective Becker encourages other law enforcement agencies to consider implementing therapy dog programs and offers her expertise and resources to assist them.

    Truths:

    Campus police handle a wide range of crimes, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion.Therapy dogs like Luna have been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma.Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews.Trauma-informed interviewing allows the interviewee to dictate the narrative and start the story from a point that is most important or detailed to them.Therapy dogs, like Luna, create a safe and comfortable environment for victims and witnesses, helping them feel more at ease and open up about their experiencesThe presence of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews can help build trust between victims and law enforcement, leading to more cooperation and information sharing.Therapy dogs also provide emotional support for first responders and help alleviate secondary trauma.Implementing therapy dog programs in law enforcement agencies can have a significant positive impact on both victims and officers.
  • Dr. Emily Joseph, a social science researcher and user researcher for Xbox, discusses the impact of clear and not-so-clear communication on the elicitation of information. She highlights the importance of question phrasing, construct validity, and avoiding contamination of memory and responses. Emily emphasizes the need for open-ended questions, especially in investigative settings, to avoid bias and allow for accurate recall. She also explores the challenges of predicting future behavior and the significance of clear and concise questions in obtaining meaningful insights. Additionally, she addresses the misinterpretation of physical behavior and the influence of cultural and experiential factors. In this conversation, Dave and Emily discuss the importance of asking effective questions in various contexts, such as investigations, interviews, and surveys. They explore the impact of different types of questions, including open-ended and closed-ended questions, on the quality of responses. They also highlight the potential biases and limitations associated with certain question formats. The conversation emphasizes the need for interviewers to be aware of their own biases and create an environment where individuals feel comfortable providing honest feedback. Overall, the key takeaway is the significance of asking neutral and unbiased questions to elicit accurate and meaningful information.

    Truths:

    Question phrasing and construct validity are crucial in obtaining accurate and meaningful information.Open-ended questions are essential in investigative settings to avoid bias and contamination of memory and responses.Predicting future behavior is challenging, and questions should focus on thought processes rather than final decisions.Physical behavior should not be relied upon as an indicator of truth or deception, as it can be influenced by various factors.Cultural and experiential factors can impact both verbal and nonverbal behavior, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity in communication. The interpretation of responses in interrogation footage can be biased, leading to false assumptions of guilt.Closed-ended questions can limit the amount of information obtained, while open-ended questions encourage more detailed responses.The framing and wording of questions can influence the answers given.Likert scales and other survey response options should be carefully designed to capture a full range of perspectives.Interviewers should be aware of their own biases and strive to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable providing honest feedback.
  • Does expensive wine taste better? Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Is bitemark evidence reliable?

    In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews Dr. Jeff Kukucka, a psychologist specializing in using his expert, scientific approach to impacting the criminal justice system. They discuss topics such as forensic sciences, bias, and the impact of expectations on perception. They highlight the limitations and potential errors in visual forensic sciences, such as facial recognition and pattern matching disciplines. They also explore how biases and expectations can influence behavior and decision-making in investigations and interviews. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relying on relevant information and avoiding irrelevant distractions. In this conversation, Jeff Kukucka and Dave Thompson discuss the impact of bias in everyday life, including choosing the right cigar and how much to pay for your favorite wine. They highlight the importance of avoiding information overload and focusing on relevant evidence. They also discuss the need for clear communication and collaboration between investigators and forensic experts. The conversation touches on topics such as the influence of bias in decision-making, the role of cognitive biases in everyday life, and the challenges of addressing bias in the criminal justice system. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for standardized procedures, intervention to mitigate bias, and continuous improvement in forensic practices.

    Truths:

    Forensic sciences encompass a range of disciplines, including biological, chemical, medical, and pattern matching disciplines.Visual forensic sciences, such as facial recognition and pattern matching, heavily rely on human judgment and can be prone to errors.Biases and expectations can influence behavior and perception, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.People are not good at detecting lies, and common myths about nonverbal behavior are not reliable indicators of truthfulness.Relying on relevant information and avoiding irrelevant distractions is crucial for making accurate decisions in investigations and interviews.Avoid information overload and focus on relevant evidence in forensic science and investigative practices.Clear communication and collaboration between investigators and forensic experts are crucial for accurate decision-making.Bias is a natural human tendency and should be addressed through standardized procedures and intervention.
  • Not your typical "salesperson" - this episode of Truth Be Told features McKenah Elizabeth, a full-time content creator, discusses sales, communication, and building rapport in this episode. She shares her journey from being an elementary education teacher to entering the sales industry. McKenah emphasizes the importance of communication and adaptability in sales, regardless of the product or service being sold. She provides insights on building rapport, asking open-ended questions, and genuinely listening to customers. The conversation also touches on the similarities between sales and recruiting, as well as the value of curiosity and deep conversations in building relationships. In this conversation, McKenah and Dave discuss the application of sales techniques in personal life, the importance of mentorship, evaluating success in sales conversations, and handling resistance from potential customers. They also touch on the challenges faced by women in sales and the power of belief in selling. McKenah shares her experience as an influencer and the importance of building relationships and promoting the benefits of products.

    Truths:

    Sales is more than just convincing someone to buy something; it involves effective communication and building rapport.The approach to sales may vary depending on whether the product or service is being sold, with services often requiring a stronger focus on building relationships.Building rapport involves showing genuine interest, letting down your guard, and using humor to break down barriers.Asking open-ended questions and actively listening to customers can lead to deeper conversations and a better understanding of their needs.Having a framework for conversations can be helpful, but it's important to be adaptable and flexible in order to truly connect with customers.Deep conversations and genuine curiosity can lead to more meaningful relationships and a more interesting conversation. Sales techniques can be applied in personal life and communication style.Mentorship and feedback are crucial for personal and professional growth.Success in sales conversations can be measured beyond closing deals.Handling objections and resistance requires embracing and affirming the concerns.Being genuine, embracing objections, and showing humanness are key in communication.
  • Lauren Brill, founder of The Unsealed, discusses her career path and how her sociology background has influenced her work. She shares her experiences working in sports broadcasting, including her time with the NBA and WNBA. Lauren emphasizes the importance of following your passion and being true to yourself in your career choices. She also talks about the challenges of conducting interviews and the genuine interactions she has had with athletes. Lauren expresses her admiration for female athletes and the need for continued support and recognition of their talents. Lauren Brill shares her journey of storytelling and creating a platform for people to share their stories through her company, The Unsealed. She emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the impact it can have on both the storyteller and the audience. The book, Unseal Your Superpowers, features letters from various individuals, including athletes, coaches, and wrongfully convicted individuals, sharing their personal experiences and inspiring others. The platform provides a safe space for people to share their stories and connect with others who have had similar experiences. The key takeaway is that whatever hurts you in life doesn't have to hold you back, and by sharing your story, you can inspire and empower others.

    Truths:

    Follow your passion and be true to yourself in your career choices.Genuine interactions with athletes can lead to meaningful stories.Female athletes deserve support and recognition for their talents.Showing up and being a true supporter is more important than just talking about support.Vulnerability and sharing personal stories can be empowering and inspiring.The Unsealed provides a platform for people to share their stories and connect with others.The book, Unseal Your Superpowers, features letters from various individuals sharing their personal experiences.Whatever hurts you in life doesn't have to hold you back; follow your dreams and give it your all.
  • In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Anna Papalia, author of Interviewology, about the art of interviewing. Anna shares her background in talent acquisition and her realization that there was a lack of research-backed tools to teach people how to interview. She developed the concept of interview styles, which include charmers, challengers, examiners, and harmonizers. Anna emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in interviews and how understanding your own interview style can help you adapt to different interviewers. She also discusses the scientific validation of Interviewology and the fear that many people have when it comes to job interviews. The episode concludes with a discussion on seeking feedback and the importance of authenticity in interviews. She also draws parallels between interviewing and dating, highlighting the need for self-awareness in both contexts. The conversation explores the use of scripts in interviews to mitigate bias and ensure structure. Anna emphasizes the importance of addressing failures and weaknesses honestly and using them as opportunities for growth. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of asking thoughtful questions as a job seeker and the universal truth that different interview styles can complement each other.

    Truths:

    Self-awareness is crucial in interviews. Understanding your own interview style can help you adapt to different interviewers and improve your performance.There are four interview styles: charmers, challengers, examiners, and harmonizers. Each style has its own strengths and preferences in interviews.Interviewing is an artificial event where the power dynamics can change quickly. Both job seekers and hiring managers can benefit from understanding their own interview style.AI and applicant tracking systems have limitations in evaluating candidates. Authenticity and self-knowledge are more important than using scripted answers or relying on technology. Authenticity is crucial in job interviews, and being yourself can lead to success.Interviewing and dating share similarities, such as the need for self-awareness and the ability to answer questions about oneself.Using scripts in interviews can help mitigate bias and ensure a structured process.Addressing failures and weaknesses honestly and discussing what you have learned from them is important in interviews.As a job seeker, asking thoughtful questions demonstrates curiosity and can help you assess the fit of the job and company.Different interview styles can complement each other, and we can benefit from being open-minded and learning from others.
  • In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews former NFL player Don Beebe. The conversation focuses on communication, both internally and externally, and how it has played a significant role in Beebe's career and life. Beebe shares stories about his journey to the NFL, including a pro day experience that led to his pro career starting before he played a down in college football. He also discusses his first NFL catch and the pressure and anxiety that came with it. Throughout the conversation, Beebe emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, staying prepared, and maintaining a strong sense of identity and humility. Don Beebe discusses the importance of teamwork, character, and resilience in achieving success in sports and in life. He shares the story of the Buffalo Bills' historic comeback in the playoffs and how their never-give-up mentality and strong team culture played a crucial role. Beebe also reflects on his own experiences, including the iconic play where he chased down Leon Lett to prevent a touchdown. He emphasizes the power of faith, contentment, and internal reflection in fighting our battles. Beebe's discusses his youth development program, “House of Speed” and his message to parents in supporting their children while keeping perspective and focusing on character development.

    Truths:

    Seize opportunities and be prepared for them, as you never know when they will come.Maintain a strong sense of identity and know what truly matters to you.Humility is a key quality of great leaders and can have a significant impact on relationships and team chemistry.Communication is essential in building strong relationships and creating a positive team culture.Chemistry and camaraderie among teammates are crucial for success in sports and other areas of life.Teamwork, character, and resilience are essential for success in sports and in life.A strong team culture and never-give-up mentality can lead to remarkable comebacks.Faith can provide strength and guidance in challenging situations.Contentment and focusing on character development are keys to long-term success.
  • In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Mike Reddington, an expert in effective communication techniques. They discuss various topics related to communication, including teaching and mentoring, moving people from resistance to commitment, building credibility and trust, and minimizing internal distractions. They also explore the importance of understanding the other person's perspective, anticipating resistance in conversations, and creating a positive experience for others. The conversation highlights universal truths of conversation and provides valuable insights for improving communication skills. In this episode, Michael Reddington discusses the importance of disciplined listening and shares insights from his book 'Disciplined Listening'. He emphasizes the role of empathy in effective listening and provides practical tips for overcoming barriers to listening. Reddington also explains the four steps of disciplined listening and highlights the importance of applying this skill in various contexts.

    Truths:

    Teaching and mentoring are important aspects of effective communication.Moving people from resistance to commitment requires building trust and credibility.Reacting reflectively, rather than reflexively, can lead to better communication outcomes.Minimizing internal distractions and focusing on the other person's perspective can improve communication.Creating a positive experience for others and anticipating resistance can lead to more successful conversations. Disciplined listening is a crucial skill for effective communication and building relationships.Empathy plays a significant role in listening and understanding others.Overcoming barriers to listening, such as distractions and biases, is essential for improving listening skills.The four steps of disciplined listening include preparing to listen, focusing on the speaker, interpreting the message, and responding appropriately.Disciplined listening can be applied in various contexts, including personal relationships, professional settings, and negotiations.
  • In this conversation, counterterrorism expert Mark Fallon discusses the evolution of interrogation techniques and the importance of building rapport in obtaining accurate and reliable information. Fallon provides insight from his experience in high-profile terrorism investigations including the USS Cole and World Trade Center bombings as well as interrogations at Guantanamo. He highlights the shift from confession-driven methodologies to relationship building techniques, emphasizing the role of empathy in high-pressure interrogations. Fallon also addresses the need for improved interview training in law enforcement and the recognition of inept practices that have led to miscarriages of justice. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of effective and ethical interrogation practices in obtaining actionable intelligence. This conversation explores the consequences of interrogational abuses, the opposition to coercive methods, the need for research in interrogation, the importance of depressurizing the interrogation environment, and the integration of science into practice.

    Truths

    Building rapport and treating suspects with respect is essential in obtaining accurate and reliable information during interrogations.Empathy is a crucial trait for interrogators, as it helps to establish trust and disarm resistance strategies.The shift from confession-driven methodologies to relationship building techniques has proven to be more effective in obtaining actionable intelligence.Law enforcement agencies need to prioritize interview training and embrace the body of research available in the psychological sciences to improve interrogation practices.Interrogational abuses can lead to unreliable information and intelligence.Opposing coercive methods is essential to protect human rights and uphold the constitution.Research plays a crucial role in improving interrogation practices.Depressurizing the interrogation environment can lead to more effective and truthful information.Integrating scientific knowledge into interrogation training can enhance effectiveness.Policing with virtue is a step towards community-embraced policing.
  • Former Police Chief of Aurora, IL, Kristen Ziman, discusses her career in law enforcement and the importance of effective communication in crisis situations with host, Dave Thompson. She shares her experiences leading during a mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for preparation and open communication channels. Ziman emphasizes the significance of managing upwards and creating an environment where feedback is valued. She also discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of maintaining a high standard of performance. In this conversation, Kristen discusses the importance of effective communication and leadership during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd. She emphasizes the need for trust, autonomy, and open communication in law enforcement and community relationships. Ziman shares her experiences of dealing with high emotional states and the challenges of public communication as a leader. She also highlights the importance of creating a culture that encourages dissent and accountability, as well as destigmatizing mental health in law enforcement. Ultimately, Ziman encourages individuals to tap into the power of optimism and take control of their own future.

    Truths:

    Effective communication is crucial in crisis situations, and leaders must prioritize internal communication with their team before addressing external stakeholders.Preparing for the unexpected is essential, and organizations should regularly assess their readiness for potential crises.Open and honest communication is key to building trust and maintaining a positive organizational culture.Leaders should actively seek feedback from their team and create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. Effective communication and leadership are crucial during challenging times.Trust and autonomy are key factors in building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.Leaders should be open to dissent and create a culture that encourages accountability.Destigmatizing mental health is important in law enforcement and other professions.Optimism and taking control of the future can lead to positive change.
  • In this episode, host Dave Thompson interviews Gil Zamora, a police sketch artist and former law enforcement officer. Gil shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a sketch artist and discusses the training process for forensic artists. He also introduces the concept of the Mindful Interview Method and highlights the fallibility of human memory in eyewitness interviews. In this conversation, Gil Zamora discusses his experience as a forensic artist and the unique challenges he faced in creating sketches based on eyewitness descriptions. He shares the process of conducting interviews and sketching suspects, highlighting the importance of building rapport with the eyewitnesses. Zamora also discusses the impact of his work, including the emotional response it evoked in both the eyewitnesses and viewers. He emphasizes the need to avoid suggesting information during interviews and the danger of shaping evidence to conform to preconceived notions. Gil discusses his involvement with the viral Dove Real Beauty Sketches project, where Gil sketched women based on their own descriptions and compared them to sketches based on others' descriptions. Zamora concludes by encouraging investigators to be mindful of the complexities of memory recall and to collect evidence without bias.

    Truths:

    Forensic artists receive training in both drawing and interviewing techniques, a unique combination.Perspective of the interviewer and the interviewee may equally contaminate the resulting sketch.The Mindful Interview Method emphasizes the exchange of information and the potential for memory contamination.The Dove Real Beauty Sketches project highlighted the difference between how women perceive themselves and how others perceive them.Building rapport with eyewitnesses is crucial in obtaining accurate information.Avoid suggesting information during interviews to prevent shaping evidence.Collect evidence with mindfulness of the complexities of memory recall.Adhere to principles and avoid shaping evidence to conform to preconceived notions.
  • In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Bruce Pitt-Payne, a former major crime investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), about the evolution of interviewing techniques. They discuss the shift from confession seeking to information gathering, the benefits of recording interviews, and the challenges of implementing change in the field. They also explore the Mr. Big technique used in undercover operations and the importance of rapport and vulnerability in interviews. The conversation highlights the phased interview model and the PEACE model as effective frameworks for conducting interviews. In this conversation, Bruce Pitt-Payne and Dave Thompson discuss various aspects of interviewing and communication strategies. They explore the different behaviors of interviewees and how to navigate them effectively. They also emphasize the importance of following scientific principles in communication and avoiding biases and prejudices.

    Truths:

    The shift in interviewing techniques from confession seeking to information gathering has led to more effective and ethical interviews.Recording interviews is crucial for accuracy, transparency, and accountability.Understanding vulnerability and adapting to the individual being interviewed is essential for building rapport and obtaining reliable information.Implementing change in interviewing techniques can be challenging due to resistance and the need for continuous learning.The phased interview model and the PEACE model provide effective frameworks for conducting interviews.Different interviewees may exhibit different behaviors, such as remaining silent, judging the interviewer, or trying to manipulate the conversation.It is important to recognize and respect an interviewee's right to choose whether or not to speak.Following scientific principles in communication is crucial, as anecdotal evidence may not represent best practices.We are all biased and prejudiced to some extent, so it is important to be aware of our own biases and strive to minimize their influence in the interview process.
  • In Part 2 of this series, Joumana Kidd shares her experience of being deceived by a con artist posing as an “executive assistant”.  She discusses how she initially sought support and assistance during a difficult time in her life. Joumana describes how she developed trust with the culprit, as they attempted to relate to her and created a perception of genuine friendship. Joumana was eventually deceived into signing documents that gave the con artist access to her life and finances. She discovered the fraud when her financial advisor noticed unusual spending patterns. The investigation into the fraud was complex and required Joumana to advocate for herself, while navigating conversations with law enforcement and fraud investigators. Throughout the conversation, Joumana emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding when dealing with victims of fraud and other traumatic experiences.
    •Trust your instincts and conduct thorough background checks before hiring someone.
    •Maintain control over your personal and financial information and be vigilant about monitoring your accounts.
    •Advocate for yourself and be persistent when dealing with law enforcement and financial institutions.
    •Practice empathy and understanding when interacting with victims of fraud and other traumatic experiences.
    •Understand that a victim’s and investigators urgency may be on different perceived timelines.

  • In this episode, host Dave Thompson interviews Joumana Kidd, discussing her diverse career in media and sports journalism. They also discuss the pressure and urgency in sports reporting, the impact of negative media attention, and the challenges of living in the public eye. Joumana shares insights into interviewing athletes and entertainers, overcoming resistance in interviews, and the importance of context in interviews. They also touch on the positive side of sports reporting and the challenges of public scrutiny.

    Truths

    Empathy and understanding can help to create a more comfortable environmentPutting somebody in a defensive position just to get your desired result will result in increased resistance or faulty complianceUnderstand that the public perception of an event may not provide the full context to what really happenedPressure and urgency placed on interviewers may result in poor questions and confrontational behaviors