Beyond Note-Taking: Evaluating the Use of Audio Recording in Investigative Interviews
At Prism Investigations, part of the process of our independent third-party investigations is to gather information through interviews. A question that comes up frequently in the world of investigations is the practice of audio recording interviews. While our team chooses to record our interviews, we want to lay out the potential costs and benefits of each.
The Case for Recording Interviews: The Pros
One of the best reasons to record interviews is to ensure accuracy. When dealing with allegations and complex narratives, relying solely on your notes, while essential, could introduce unintentional errors or omissions. An audio recording, and the resulting transcript, provides a verbatim record of the entire interview, eliminating any dispute over what was said.
Recordings also offer invaluable assistance during the report writing and evidence analysis phase. Investigators can easily revisit specific portions of the interview without having to rely on memory or hurriedly scribbled notes. Audio recording enhances our team’s ability to cross-reference statements, identify inconsistencies, and ensure relevant details are accurately reflected in the final investigative report. It also offers a layer of transparency and serves as an objective reference point should the interview content ever be challenged.
The Concerns with Recording: The Cons
Despite the significant benefits, there are legitimate concerns about the use of audio recording. The primary worry is the potential impact on the candor and comfort of the interviewee. Some individuals might feel inhibited or guarded knowing they are being recorded. This potential “chilling effect” could possibly prevent a witness or complainant from fully sharing sensitive information or speaking openly about uncomfortable topics.
Another practical challenge involves logistics and technical reliability. Virtual interviews in particular present potential technical difficulties, such as poor internet connections, software glitches, or ambient noise, any of which can result in a compromised or incomplete recording. Furthermore, proper handling and storage of the audio files—ensuring security, privacy, and compliance with data retention laws—adds a necessary layer of administrative complexity to the investigative process.
Our Stance
Our team chooses to audio record interviews, and this decision was rooted in our commitment to the highest standards of investigative due diligence. We recognize that ensuring accuracy and maintaining a comprehensive, objective record of the interview outweighs the potential drawbacks. We also take proactive steps, such as clearly informing all parties of the recording and adhering to strict confidentiality protocols, to mitigate any potential discomfort and protect the integrity of the process. For us, the recording serves as the ultimate safeguard against misinterpretation and as a foundational element of a fair and defensible investigation.
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