Participants will gain a thorough understanding of best practices in field interviewing, including the importance of preparation, effective communication, and adherence to legal standards. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining professionalism and self-control, especially when handling sensitive or difficult situations.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define and understand the concept of a field interview and identify its purpose.
• Recognize key elements of rapport building, positive interviewing traits, and common roadblocks.
• Identify critical information to collect, including animal-related details, and navigate specific challenges in field interviews.
• Understand the importance of documenting interviews properly, including using Field Interview Cards.
• Develop strategies for handling challenging interviews, including those involving multiple witnesses, juvenile subjects, and individuals with impairments.
• Recognize the legal parameters for conducting interviews, including the role of Constitutional protections and Miranda rights.

Topics Covered Include:

• Field Interview Basics: Purpose, elements, and pertinent information to collect
• Key Interviewing Traits: Patience, respect, and self-control
• Rapport Building Techniques: Establishing trust, reducing tension, and finding common ground
• Field Interview Process: Preparation, establishing narratives, clarifying statements, and effective questioning
• Juvenile and Vulnerable Populations: Legal considerations, interview approaches, and special handling requirements
• Practical and Ethical Challenges: Managing environmental factors, minimizing distractions, and recognizing mental or physical impairments
• Legal and Ethical Standards: Constitutional rights, Miranda warnings, and the importance of legal compliance

Continuing Education Credit

Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for continuing education credits from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals may apply to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This class is approved for Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection Agents for CE credit.

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