Security
If you have witnessed a crime, what do you do?
Also, Interviewing tips for personal investigations.
Crime Reporting Procedures/tips
You have witnessed a crime, discovered a crime scene, or have suspicions or information about a crime. There are several things that you can do to help the security department.
1, Don't Panic! Call Security immediately. And try to observe what you can.
2, Do not be a hero! Starfleet needs you alive. Do not confront a possible perpretrator unless it is a life threatening situation.
3, Do not touch anything! You might contaminate the crimescene and make it more difficult to investigate.
4, Cooperate with Security's efforts to investigate.
When you report a crime to security it is important that you include these basic elements. What has happening, where is it happening exactly, who is involved, and who you are. This will assist the Security team in knowing exactly what is necessary to take care of the situation as efficiently as possible.
Tips for performing Interviews
This is a usefull skill for not only a criminal investigation, but for your daily lives. A proper interview will often give more information than a forensic investigation. Whether interviewing a crime suspect, a witness, or even a new officer, it is important that you keep in mind these points.
1, Eye contact is the key! A guilty or dishonest person will be hesitant in making eye contact with you. This is particularly the case in females, who are usually more comfortable with eye contact than males.
2, Non verbal communication often speaks louder than words. These signals often mean somebody is being less than truthfull: Constant swollowing, hands on chin or face (almost as if to block the lie), looking around the room, or anywhere except the interviewer. Sweating, rapid blinking, and other physiological signs may also be in evidence.
3, Ask simple, non-leading monosylable questions. Yes and No questions are good, but lack information gathering power. Ask questions such as: "Why were you in the lounge?" rather than "Were you in the lounge because you were thirsty? (or angry, etc...)". This gives the interviewee a chance to speak with out answers being supplied, resulting in more usefull or truthful answers. Also the more you let the subject talk, the more likely they will contradict themselves.
4, Avoid good cop, bad cop. Intimidation simply is not very effective, and against Starfleet protocals. However manipulation works well. Statements like "Gee, I sure hope no children are near the bomb when it explodes." or "I hope some child doesn't find that disruptor and kill themselves." can be powerfull statements and just might guilt a subject into being more forthcomming.
Remember, investigations can be useful. These tactics can help alot in an investigation of a personal nature as well as a criminal investigation. However it is always best to let the professional Security personnel handle any Criminal investigations/interviews.
Written By Derik Thomas Turner. Questions? Email LT. Turner
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