INTERVIEWS
Releasing evidence to your subject
It's quite common and natural to want to show your subject the information or evidence that you possess. But one thing to keep in mind is that, by its very nature, the revealing of evidence or information from your investigation is confrontational.
So let’s have an actual plan and strategy if its deemed necessary to bring your evidence forward during the investigative interview. Perhaps the use of the SUE Method is the best approach.
The Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) is an investigative interviewing method grounded in psychology and designed to elicit reliable information while enhancing the ability to identify inconsistencies. Developed through research, SUE emphasizes timing over confrontation by deliberately withholding known evidence until late in the interview process.
The interviewer first encourages the subject to provide a free, detailed account, allowing them to commit to a version of events without influence. Through careful questioning, that account is expanded and clarified before any evidence is introduced. Only then is evidence disclosed strategically—often gradually and late in the process—to assess how well the subject’s statements align with known facts.
By increasing cognitive load and limiting a subject’s ability to tailor their story, SUE creates clear diagnostic differences without resorting to accusatory tactics. As part of modern, ethical interviewing frameworks, SUE offers investigators a powerful, non-coercive approach that not only improves accuracy but also invites deeper exploration into the science of effective interviewing.
Bottom line, if it's determined that revealing evidence is necessary you always reveal it late in the process. You drip feed the information one piece at a time, protecting your most valuable bits of information. And always manage the presentation in a conversational, rather than confrontational way.
