Preparation: This involves preparing for the interview by gathering information about the case, the individual being interviewed, and any evidence or relevant documents. It also includes setting the interview environment to be comfortable and free from distractions.
Engage and Explain: In this step, the interviewer establishes a rapport with the interviewee and explains the purpose of the interview. Building trust and cooperation is crucial at this stage to encourage open communication.
Account: This step involves allowing the interviewee to give their account of events or information. The interviewer should ask open-ended questions and actively listen to the responses, avoiding leading questions.
Closure: Once the interviewee has provided their account, the interviewer may ask any follow-up questions and clarify any inconsistencies. This step is critical for ensuring all relevant information is gathered.
Evaluation: After the interview, the law enforcement officer evaluates the information obtained, considers its credibility, and assesses its significance to the case. This step helps determine the next investigative actions.
These five steps help law enforcement conduct effective and ethical interviews while gathering important information for their investigations. While "IR-QSC" is not a standard acronym in law enforcement interviews, the PEACE model follows a similar structured approach.