10. The Interview: A Basic Tool Used in Correctional Counseling and Treatment

The interview is the basic tool used by criminal justice agencies to obtain information from offenders and witnesses. It is also used to gather information that will be helpful to those engaged in supervising and providing services to those under supervision of a correctional agency. There are several basic methods that can be used in interviewing, including face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, self-complete interviews, and electronic interviews. Each method has its advantages and limitations. Generally, the face-to-face interview is preferable in corrections, since it is possible for the interviewer to clarify questions posed to the interviewee, provide information on expectations and services that are available, observe body language, probe answers given, and have an opportunity to establish some rapport with the person being interviewed. In this chapter, types of interviews will be described, the interviewing cycle will be explained, and examples of interviews will be given.