Detection of Deception and Critical Interviewing Skills Training

Sponsored by Prince William County Public Schools and the Virginia
Department of Criminal Justice Services

August 30-31, 2012

Description

The Department of Criminal Justice Services and Prince William Public Schools is pleased to offer a two day course featuring modules on the Detection of Deception, Critical Interviewing Skills, Red Envelope, and Elicitation Training.

The QVerity team is comprised of world-class experts in the fields of Investigations, Screening, Detection of Deception, Interviewing and Interrogation. Almost all members of the QVerity team are former Agents from either the CIA or the National Security Agency. During their respective US Government tenures, team members provided training in these areas to myriad different Agencies, including CIA, FBI, Treasury, and the Immigration, Customs, and Border Patrol components of Homeland Security. QVerity team members have also provided training around the country to State and local law enforcement entities. The QVeirty team continues to provide such training to key US Government Agencies, including the CIA.

Course Modules

Detection of Deception

The Detection of Deception course is an intelligence-based, interactive course designed to help participants identify deception throughout all forms of communication. All behaviors taught in the course are cross-cultural and gender neutral, therefore, are effective in all parts of the world. Participants will learn to identify verbal and nonverbal behaviors indicative of deception or lack of confidence, thus enabling the participant to better focus their conversations, interviews, inquiries, or investigations on specific areas where a given individual may be concealing or omitting information. This methodology has proven extremely valuable in a myriad different applications, including, law enforcement, investigations, human resources, intelligence collection, negotiation, and other aspects of the business and financial world.

Critical Interviewing

This module addresses a key core skill set in the information collection process and introduces tools and techniques to prepare for and effectively execute the process of collecting information. The techniques and methodologies taught are proven and cutting edge strategies to maximize both the quantity and quality of information. The training associated with this skill set provides a unique approach for preparing for the collection as well as introduces them to new and innovative ways to develop and ask questions. The training also introduces a series of strategies for managing deception and facilitating the disclosure of information even in those instances where such disclosure is not necessarily in the best interest of the individual being interviewed.

Red Envelope

The “Red Envelope” module is a live experiential simulation in which students are confronted with a realistic crime situation that must be investigated and solved by the class participants. Students must rely on the detection of deception model and questioning techniques to interview the suspects in the case and then determine which suspect is the most likely perpetrator of the crime. The module affords students the opportunity to integrate the newly learned detection of deception and interviewing techniques into their personal styles and approaches. The simulation also enables students to identify weaknesses and potential shortcomings in their personal interviewing styles.

Elicitation

The training associated with this skill set provides an approach for obtaining/collecting information from an individual who is reluctant to either discuss an issue or who outright desires to conceal the information. The approach allows for this collection while minimizing the alienation of the Subject of the elicitation effort. Many investigative problems and/or failures are the direct result of the inability to successfully elicit information that was absolutely critical to resolving a significant problem. The inability to successfully collect this type of information often stems from a fundamental misunderstanding related to the skill set of interviewing versus elicitation. The problem is further compounded by the misperception that situations involving deception, or instances where individuals are concealing information, necessitates some form of confrontation or more aggressive behavior to resolve that situation. The techniques taught in this module emphasize the importance of maintaining the highest possible level of professional respect and courtesy during the interaction. The reality is that confrontation and/or increased overt aggressiveness often has exactly the opposite effect in terms of influencing an individual to confess or be more forthcoming. This can be particularly true in the case of students or young people.

Location

George Mason University- Prince William Campus
Verizon (110H and 110E)
Occoquan Lot- Parking Lot
10900 University Blvd
Manassas, VA 20110
703-993-8334 (p)

Directions and Map

Cost and Registration

This is a free training

DCJS is not currently accepting applications for this course.

Additional Information

For more information, contact:

Donna Michaelis
804-371-6506
donna.michaelis@dcjs.virginia.gov

Kathi Lee
804-786-4303
kathleen.lee@dcjs.virginia.gov

Mark Ammerman
804-840-6956
mark.ammerman@dcjs.virginia.gov

Lynn McHugh
804-225-2454
lynn.mchugh@dcjs.virginia.gov