The adage “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” originates from military and tactical training, underscoring deliberate and controlled actions to attain efficiency and accuracy. This principle directly applies to investigative interviewing, where a slow methodical approach enhances information retrieval and overall interview success.
At the beginning of every FIS PEACE interview class, we encourage students to slow down their thinking and speech. This helps them process the cognitive loads of learning investigative interviewing and adapt to the new skills required. Eric Shepherd summed it up perfectly when he said, “Skilled investigative interviewing is actually slowed-down talk.”
Slowing Down Promotes Accuracy (“Slow is Smooth”)
Rushing an interview reduces accuracy, increases errors, contamination, just as rushing a tactical maneuver can lead to mistakes. Taking a controlled, measured approach allows for:
- Better memory retrieval: Silence and deliberate pacing allow interviewees to access deeper, more accurate memories (Fisher & Geiselman, 1992).
- Reduced suggestibility: Avoiding rapid-fire questions prevents interviewees from guessing or complying with perceived expectations (Gudjonsson, 2003).
- More complete statements: Open-ended prompts, coupled with pauses, silences and “guggling” (verbal and non-verbal minimal encouragers), lead to richer and more detailed accounts.
A common example of rushed thinking is the multiple question, for example…
- Rushed Interview: “What time did he arrive? Did he say anything? Where did he go next?”
- Deliberate Interview: “Tell me everything you remember about when he arrived.”
The skill is to allow time for memory recall processes to occur, listen to the free recall response and not interrupting. Then even when the interviewee has appeared to stop providing details, allow a silent “uncomfortable” pause and then if no further disclosure occurs potentially follow up with, “Then what happened next?”
In the deliberate approach, the interviewee controls the turn-taking, leading to a smoother and more reliable narrative. When an interviewer resists the urge to jump in, the interviewee often continues talking, revealing more details. This patient, non-rushed approach lowers anxiety and makes the interviewee feel heard, leading to greater cooperation (Alison & Howard, 2018).
Methodical Approach Ultimately Speeds Up the Investigation (“Smooth is Fast”)
A slow, smooth approach may seem time-consuming at first, but it ultimately saves time by reducing errors, contradictions, and the need for repeated interviews. If the interview is rushed and suggestive, investigators may waste time following misleading or contaminated information. In addition, the goal is a complete, accurate, and reliable interview with information gathered accurately the first time. This way investigators avoid the need for clarification interviews or inconsistencies which may result in challenges at Court. A smooth, well planned, well-structured interview produces reliable memory compatible detail increasing confidence in the usable evidence leading to stronger case outcomes.
Just like in tactical operations, a rushed approach creates chaos, while a steady, methodical approach leads to success.
If you are committed to conducting methodical and effective interviews, maximizing the detail obtained in a smooth efficient manner, now is the time to invest in your skills. Join one of our upcoming investigative interviewing training sessions to learn proven techniques that promote reliable and accurate outcomes.
