Interviewing Police Informants: A Practitioner’s Guide

This book provides students and practitioners alike with a comprehensive discussion of the latest psychological research relevant to interviewing informants. In particular, the book contains a detailed outline of the R-WITS-US interview model. This is a bespoke informant interview model that can be remembered by the axiom: Keeping our wits about us. The current book examines the development of this model, bringing a clear focus on the specific definition of an informant and how this definition differentiates informants from other individuals who are likely to be interviewed by police – such as victims, witnesses or suspects. A variety of relational and organisational objectives are identified and explored with the R-WITS-US model proposed as an ethical interview model capable of addressing these interconnected objectives. The aims of each individual phase are carefully explained and practical examples of psychological techniques that can be used are provided throughout. The book concludes with a detailed example of the R-WITS-US model, highlighting how it could be employed in practice. This book provides invaluable evidence-based guidance to practitioners making it essential reading for police professionals who are required to understand and interview informants. It will also be useful secondary reading for Professional Policing students engaged in police practice, criminal investigation, and investigative interviewing.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. What is an Informant? 2. Understanding Informants 3. Relationship Building 4. Organisational Objectives 5. The Practitioner’s Perspective 6. Alternate Interview Models 7. Keeping It Ethical 8. Review and Research 9. Welfare 10. Information 11. Tasking 12. Security 13. Understanding Context 14. Sharing 15. An Example of R-WITS-US 16. Conclusion

About the Author :
Lee Moffett has over 25 years of law enforcement experience as well as an MSc and PhD in investigative psychology. His research examines police informant interactions and includes Keeping our wits about us: Introducing a bespoke informant interview model for covert human intelligence source (CHIS) interactions.

Review :
Drawing on both practitioner experience and academic expertise, the author adopts a holistic and evidence-informed approach to conceptualising informant interviews. This book offers a nuanced and in-depth exploration of a critically important, and often scrutinised, aspect of contemporary policing. Grounded in empirical research, it illuminates the range of interviewing strategies available to informant handlers and examines the complex social dynamics that can often impede effective engagement. I commend the author for delivering such a comprehensive and insightful contribution to a traditionally opaque area of police practice. Gavin Oxburgh, Professor of Police Science at Northumbria University and Assistant Director of The Northern Hub for Veteran and Military Families Research This groundbreaking book examines the practical application of a growing body of academic research. Featuring a detailed explanation of the R-WITS-US informant interview model and a range of relevant psychological techniques, it serves as an essential guide for practitioners and a foundational resource for students in this evolving field. Fiona Gabbert, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Forensic Psychology Unit at Goldsmiths University of London Lee Moffett’s Interviewing Police Informants: A Practitioner’s Guide is a game-changer. Having worked with informants across the UK and overseas for 15 years, I know the minefield this area presents. At last, here’s the structured, no-nonsense guidance practitioners have been crying out for—clear, practical, and long overdue. Kelvin Lay, MBE. Director Childlight Technical Advisory Program, The University of Edinburgh