(9) The seats should be arranged so that the investigator can reach out and
touch the suspect.
Tables, desks, or other pieces of furniture should not be
between them. These offer the individual a psychological barrier to hide behind.
b. MPI Preparation.
Before any meeting or contact with the subject, prepare
yourself for the interview or interrogation.
Become thoroughly familiar with all
the known facts of the incident under investigation. Interview the desk sergeant,
other MPs, or anyone else who may have some knowledge of the initial complaint.
Any oral, written, or recorded statements made by the subject, victim, witness, or
complainant must be read and carefully considered. Visit the scene of the alleged
incident and become familiar with the surroundings, even if the investigation does
not require crime scene processing. Learn what information has been discussed in
front of the suspect.
Become familiar with the backgrounds of the persons
involved, especially the suspect. Personal background information should include:
(1) Age, date of birth, place of birth, race, and nationality.
(2) Military rank or civilian status; social security number.
(3) Present and former occupations.
(4) Educational level attained.
(5) Habits, hobbies, and associates.
(6) Record of trials or police arrests, military and civilian.
(7) CRC (Criminal Records Center) check, if possible.
c. Become familiar with the case and the relationship of the subject with the
case.
Also, know the background information relating to all persons involved.
This knowledge creates a definite advantage in your favor for the following
reasons:
(1) It helps you to know if the individual is lying.
(2) It aids you in deciding the questioning techniques or tactics which are
most likely to be effective.
(3) It enables you to more readily engage a reluctant person in conversation.
(4) It will help you to maintain control during the interrogation.
(5) It will keep you provided with enough material so that you won't "run out
of gas."
(6) It will enable you to ask important, probing questions.
MP0018
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