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Detecting Misleading Behaviors

Course Description

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), in partnership with the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center (NCTC) and the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) is pleased to announce a three (3) day session of Detecting Misleading Behaviors. In many instances, law enforcement officers have limited opportunities to interview witnesses to narcotic-related crimes or interrogate suspects that are under arrest. It is crucial that officers obtain a truthful and accurate account of what occurred. Officers must understand and identify when witnesses or suspects are being truthful or being deceptive. This course will teach officers how to reliably recognize and understand verbal and non-verbal cues of deception. Officers will also learn how to identify deception in written statements. Identifying verbal and non-verbal indicators of deception is a necessary talent for today’s law enforcement officers involved in investigating narcotic-related crimes. The instructor will illustrate various verbal and nonverbal indicators of deception using video-recorded interviews of actual witnesses and suspects. Practical scenarios will be used to reinforce the lecture.

 Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the steps in the proper collection of a statement
  2. Identify the proper structure in which to conduct an effective interview
  3. Identify the key factors that are going to be analyzed in any statement
  4. Identify the indicators of veracity in a written statement
  5. Identify the indicators of deceit in a written statement
  6. Identify the importance of the explanation of time in the written statement
  7. Identify the role of verbs, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in the written statement
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of course material through the successful completion of the proper analysis of several written statements
  9. Define behavior symptom analysis as it applies to the detection of deceit
  10. Recognize the importance of eye contact as an indicator of deceit
  11. Identify the general principals of behavior symptom analysis
  12. Relate verbal behavior signs of deceit, recognize the difference between truthful and deceptive responses during an interrogation, and identify behavior provoking questions

Who Should Attend?

This training is being offered to sworn law enforcement, corrections, campus police officers and approved military personnel. Agency identification may be required.

Partial In-service Credit

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers will be available.  

Travel, Lodging, and Meals

Transportation, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Training Time & Details

Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m.

Training begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.

Cost and Registration Instructions

There is no fee to attend this training

To register:

  • Visit the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center’s website at www.counterdrug.org
  • Click on “Course Registration”
  • Find the training that you would like to register for and select “Click to Register”
  • Fill out your contact information and Agree to the Statement of Understanding
  • Click on “Submit Registration”

If you have questions regarding registration, please contact NCTC at 717-861-2070

For More Information, Contact:

Tracy Matthews
tracy.matthews@dcjs.virginia.gov
804-371-0635