Advanced Skills in Fraud Investigations

This 5 module programme can be taken as stand alone units or as part of an entire programme. The duration of each module can be tailored to your needs.

Module 1: Law, Evidence, Procedure and Best Practice

1 day course

This module equips delegates with the skills needed to set up a successful investigation.  Delegates will learn about governing legislation and how to gather evidence to best  practice standards so that it is relevant, admissible and credible.

On completion of this module, delegates will:

• Understand offences and how to identify proofs
• Understand the need for consistency of approach in investigative procedure
• Understand the different types of evidence –oral, documentary and real
• Understand hearsay and circumstantial evidence
• Know how to use photographs, maps, notebooks, recorded evidence and samples as evidence
• Know how to distinguish between facts, inferences and opinions
• Know how to follow best practice in evidence gathering procedure
• Know  how  to  manage  exhibits  and  create  an exhibit log
• Understand the rules of evidence and admissibility of evidence
• Have an understanding of our legal system, court system and prosecution, both summary and indictable

Module 2: Investigative Interviewing

1 to 2 day course

This module will provide delegates with the key skills to interview witnesses, obtain witness statements and interview suspects to best practice standards.

On completion of this module, delegates will:

• Know how to plan and prepare different types of interviews : witness and suspect
• Understand the purpose of an interview and when to interview
• Understand Human Rights and how to ensure an individual’s rights are protected in the investigative process
• Learn how to phrase questions in order to exhibit fairness, whilst ensuring that information is obtained
• Learn how to properly structure an interview
• Learn how to use different questioning techniques
• Learn how to deal effectively with evidence in an interview
• Be able to structure an investigative interview that will stand up to scrutiny if challenged
• Experience practical role-play and put the skills learned into practice

Module 3: Excellence in Written Evidence

1 day course

Written evidence is a vital part of any investigation. In many cases, having top quality written evidence can prevent a case going to court.
Delegates will learn how to improve the content, structure and style of their statements and reports as well as adopting a best practice approach to note taking.

On completion of this module, delegates will:

• Understand the importance of an investigation log and how to use it
• Understand the importance of contemporaneous notes and how to make them
• Learn how to use an Officer’s notebook
• Learn how to write a statement
• Learn  how  to  structure  and  take  an  accurate statement from a witness
• Understand layout and formalities
• Learn how to write different types of reports
• Be able to insulate written evidence against cross examination
• Develop a consistent and best practice approach to reports
• Learn  how  to  use  exhibits/appendices/photos/plans/maps
• Develop an objective and critical eye in relation to written evidence

Module 4: The effective and lawful use of the internet in investigations

1 to 2 day course

The internet is an increasingly important tool in a wide range of investigations. When used effectively it enables organisations and investigators to save both a considerable amount of time and money. However, failure to research properly, monitor changes, capture data and follow procedures or legislation could result in any evidence obtained being rendered inadmissible.

This course provides investigators with the core skills to use the internet as an investigative tool effectively, enabling  them  to  quickly  source  information and gather evidence lawfully to further their investigations.

On completion of this module delegates will:

• Learn how to plan a successful internet investigation
• Learn investigative strategies
• Gain an understanding of the internet, social networks and web terminology
• Learn advanced web searching techniques, strategies and tools
• Learn how to conduct Internet investigations lawfully and safely
• Learn how to record intelligence
• Understand the transition between intelligence and evidence
• Understand compliance with legislation and procedures
• Learn how to present internet based evidence

Module 5: Courtroom skills, giving evidence

1 to 2 day course

Professionals may find themselves in the witness box giving evidence on behalf of their organisation. Often professional witnesses feel that they and their organisation are on trial. Doubt will be cast on the witness’s experience, notes, method of investigation and the procedures followed by them and their organisation.

This legal training will provide delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to present evidence effectively. Delegates will learn about courtroom etiquette, procedures for giving evidence and experience realistic cross examination role-play on a case study related to their area of work.

On completion of this module, delegates will:

• Learn about the procedures and process of giving evidence in different arenas
• Understand the process of giving evidence and how best to prepare
• Understand the roles of the various people in court
• Learn how to take the oath or the affirmation with confidence
• Learn how to prepare for giving evidence
• Understand the difference between examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination
• Recognise the techniques used by lawyers in cross-examination
• Analyse how to handle cross-examination, in particular getting the across the whole truth
• Experience cross-examination in the witness box and receive constructive feedback based on assessment criteria, content, structure and presentation
• Have the option of including a video technician to record the cross-examination role-play with detailed on-screen feedback