I found an interesting article that presents a list of tips collected by the experience of mental health experts who've extensively interviewed serial killers.
One of them is the Psychologist James Garbarino, who’s interviewed killers for over two decades, attempts to find their human side so he can explain their crimes in court. He believes that one’s past pain can influence one’s later infliction of pain on others. In-depth analysis of an array of facts from multiple domains of an offender’s life becomes crucial in this process.
“What does it take to really listen to killers?” he asks. “I believe it all starts with a fundamental refusal to dissociate and disconnect from their humanity.”
” Empathy with others generally comes naturally; with killers, it requires a mindful effort. Yet this effort must be made, he says, because “understanding them is the key to begin making a safer, less violent society.”
Check out the following article for more insight on this topic:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shadow-boxing/202201/how-experts-extract-information-serial-killers
Fascinating article with some great tips on how to elicit information.
It's a demonstration of why forensic psychology is certainly not a job that everybody could do. To remain non-judgemental in the face of heinous crimes would tax anyone's mental resources.
The use of empathy is a powerful tool. This along with understanding can better equip the interviewer with the tools needed to gain precious information.
I especially like the point:
Like the article points out, the interviewer may not only be after details of missing bodies and other victims but of psychological insight. This psychological insight may be the very key in solving another set of murders with rapidity.
Thanks for the share of this great snapshot into successful interview techniques. 😮