| Taking recorded statements that are usable is not | | | | recording from the phone to my computer. |
| as simple as it sounds. As a private investigator I | | | | Always get permission to record before you turn |
| take recorded statements frequently. A national | | | | the recorder on, and then again, just after. I start |
| typing service, specializing in transcribing them, told | | | | with the time and date, introduce myself and spell |
| me they like my format and method quite a lot. | | | | my name. I suggest you have the other person |
| I like to follow the KISS principle in everything I | | | | do the same, stating their name, (have them spell |
| do: Keep It Simple, Stupid: Works for me. | | | | it) address, and phone. |
| Applying this idea to recorded statements is easy. | | | | Once the introduction is done, begin with a brief |
| There are many digital recorders on the market | | | | statement about the purpose of the interview |
| but beware of how they save the statements. | | | | and then ask an open question: "Please tell me |
| My expensive Panasonic saves the statement, to | | | | everything you can recall about..." Remember; |
| my computer, but in a proprietary format. Thus | | | | even truthful people edit what they say. |
| the listener needs Panasonic software or a | | | | Once they have completed their open statement |
| converter. | | | | you may now ask specific questions to bring out |
| My Olympus 3100 saves it as a.wav file and any | | | | the details that are not clear or areas which they |
| computer can play it. I put the recording on a CD. | | | | have missed. Always go into the interview |
| It can also be e-mailed as an attachment. | | | | prepared. Know the case details and client's |
| I prefer my Edirol R-09. It is a bit more expensive | | | | objectives. Refrain from asking leading questions, |
| but the quality cannot be beat. | | | | one where the answer is contained in the |
| While an in person statement is the best, that is | | | | question. You may have to resort to this method |
| not always possible. | | | | if the subject is uncooperative. |
| For telephonic recorded statements I use my PI | | | | Conclude the interview with the date and time |
| Audio which I got through PI Magazine. It | | | | and once again verify, on tape, you had |
| connects my phone to my computer. One touch | | | | permission to record the statement. |