The Funnel Method for Police Interviews By Jon Rappa The funnel method is a communication technique that can guide your investigative interview from broad topics to specific details. Think of your conversation as a funnel—starting wide with open-ended questions that allow the other person to share their uninterrupted version of what happened.  This structured approach moves from open-ended questions to specific ones, ensuring you get the full story...

10 Tips To Avoid False Confessions by Jon Rappa When I was young, my stepfather was murdered during a robbery. Two men were ultimately arrested, charged, and convicted for his murder. Growing up, I naturally assumed these guys paid the ultimate price and would spend their lives in prison. Many years later, I found myself assigned as a robbery/homicide detective solving cases for families who suffered as mine...

The Power of Keeping Quiet: Crafting Better Timelines By Jon Rappa When constructing a timeline during an investigation, one of the most critical rules is to avoid revealing what you already know. Whether the case involves murder, robbery, sexual harassment, domestic violence, or shoplifting, disclosing evidence—such as surveillance footage, fingerprints, witness testimony, or phone records—can lead the other party to tailor their story around the information provided. Instead,...