Interview Protocols Getting in the Door Intros and

Interview Protocols: Getting in the Door, Intros and Identification Issues Danalynn Recer Gulf Region Advocacy Center

Goals of mitigation interviews • Locating and expanding forms of mitigating evidence • Placing the capital offense within the broader context of the client’s life • Learn, understand, and appreciate experiences and views of people who are different from us. • Create a space where voices of the witnesses can emerge. • Build Relationships

Preparing for an interview • Always be prepared for an interview: • - Know everything you can about the person and their relationship to the case. – Court house searches, in person all courts (civil, criminal, probate, family, federal, etc. ) – Public records requests • - Review old memos and any associated records or materials immediately before the interview. • What do you want to cover? • Be prepared to explain the status of the case and what you expect to happen in the future.

Investigation Protocols - Basic Ground Rules – – No group interviews No phone interviews No calling ahead of time No tape-recording unless decided by the team for a specific reason - Identifying yourself – No lying – Low profile – ID forms - Appearances / Professionalism – Be dressed neatly and understated. Leave behind the professional gear and come with a non-legal looking notepad, your releases and business cards.

Getting in the door • Appear unannounced for the interview • Use the magic phrase, “My name is Sally and I am here to visit with you about your friend/brother/neighbor Joe. ” • Establishes your presence – not asking for permission you are there • Visits are less threatening than interviews • Explain relationship to client & confidentiality