should develop foreign language skills. The knowledge of the language may be the
best solution to your problem.
It may be a means of checking the accuracy,
loyalty, and obedience of an interpreter. Do not attempt an interrogation alone,
unless you are skilled in the language.
Whenever you have doubt as to your own
ability, use a qualified interpreter.
2.
Choosing the Interpreter.
The person should have the following qualifications:
a.
He must be intelligent and must be capable of learning rapidly your
habits, methods, and procedures.
b.
He must be well-educated in both foreign and English languages.
He
must be able to express himself clearly and intelligibly to all persons whom you
are likely to question.
c.
He must be honest and free from criminal tendencies.
If he is a
native, he should have a good reputation among the local inhabitants.
d. His standing in the community should be such that he will not be
intimidated by persons of higher rank and standing.
A person's social and
educational level is often indicated by his speech habits or peculiarities.
e. He must be willing to accept a supporting role in the questioning of
persons; i.e., he must permit you to both ask the questions and to receive and
evaluate the answers.
3.
Controlling the Interpreter. Make sure that he performs his duties correctly,
and that he does not take your place.
You are responsible for the investigation
and for any interview or interrogation.
You must remain in complete control
throughout the questioning. You must ask the questions, receive and evaluate the
answers. Use him only as a means to overcome the language barrier. Areas to be
avoided include the following:
a. He must never ask questions of his own.
He must never give his version of
your questions or the subject's answer.
b. He must never intimidate or berate the subject or engage in any behavior
that will lower your prestige, or affect the investigation.
c. He must never hold back information given by the subject because it may
adversely affect him or someone known to him.
d. You, in turn, must never bully, criticize, or admonish him in the presence
of the subject. Criticism is made in private to avoid lowering his prestige.
4.
Procedure
for
Questioning
Through
the
Interpreter.
This
includes
the
following:
MP1016
2-8
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