Science Based Interview & Interrogation

Instructor: Colton Seale

Location: Dover, NH (Strafford County, ZIP 03820)

Date: September 24–25, 2026

Duration: 16 hours

Cost: $500.00

Course Overview

This comprehensive training program introduces participants to science-based, rapport-focused interview and interrogation techniques used by FBI and CIA personnel. The course emphasizes modern, evidence-backed approaches to conducting effective interviews while understanding the psychological principles underlying successful interpersonal communication in investigative settings.

Key Topics Covered

Throughout this two-day course, you will gain knowledge in the following areas:

• Preparation strategies for challenging interviews
• Building and maintaining rapport with difficult subjects
• Rapport development models applicable to interview scenarios
• Memory function and techniques to enhance witness and victim recall accuracy
• Strategic use of evidence during interviews
• Contemporary, science-based approaches to deception detection
• Management of uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in investigations
• Recognition and mitigation of cognitive biases affecting investigative thinking

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Apply foundational psychology principles to enhance interpersonal communication effectiveness
• Identify and counteract common cognitive biases in investigative work
• Implement systematic interview planning and preparation methodologies
• Recognize core elements of rapport and apply the BASE Model of Rapport
• Utilize the Interpersonal Behavior Wheels model in practice
• Understand memory mechanisms and employ memory-enhancing techniques
• Distinguish between legitimate science and pseudoscience in credibility assessment and apply verbal-based deception detection methods
• Strategically incorporate evidence into interviews using late disclosure tactics

Requirements

Participants should bring notetaking materials to the course.

Accreditation

This course satisfies MLEAP Standard 7.07 – Interrogation requirements.