II. Interview Structure

Gathering Information

In this stage, staff members use communication techniques to collect and clarify as much information from the offender as possible. Staff learn about the immediate circumstances of an offender's life, particularly areas that may affect his/her supervision, such as employment, education, and family. Any information gathered previously can be updated and topics discussed at earlier interviews can be clarified.

Since trust in the interview is important, offenders who feel threatened or act defensively are less likely to be truthful. Using a mix of skills can decrease offenders' defensiveness and, therefore, help them examine their own lifestyles. Staff should remember to stay focused and not to divert from the task. Otherwise, the allotted time for the interview will not be sufficient to capture all of the necessary information. The information gathering stage also yields the opportunity to reward or sanction offenders. If an offender has disclosed information that requires a response, this is the time to explain or re-explain the "rules" of supervision, and reprimand or administer a sanction, or offer praise or other rewards, if appropriate.