The DVD features individuals with real communication and/or mental disabilities. They are shown interacting and communicating with family members, coworkers, and professional interviewers. One of the intents of profiling these individuals is to establish the finding of research that communication and/or mental disabilities do not affect accurate recall and the ability to distinguish truth from falsehoods. The DVD takes the viewer through the processes of preinterview procedures, the profiles of the people interviewed, steps in the interview itself, and the postinterview. Guidelines for the preinterview process pertain to familiarity with the person to be interviewed in terms of his/her style of communication, vocabulary, awareness of surroundings, and ability to understand communication from others. Guidelines for the interview process focus on the development of rapport with the victim, development of an understanding of communication techniques and vocabulary appropriate for the victim, and the importance of patience and listening skills. A trainer's guide accompanies the DVD for use in providing supplementary instruction.
Victims with Disabilities: The Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication and/or Cognitive Disabilities
NCJ Number
212894
Date Published
April 2007
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This DVD provides information and guidelines on how to prepare for and conduct forensic interviews with child and adult victims who have communication and/or mental disabilities.
Abstract