Keeping our wits about us: introducing a bespoke informant interview model for covert human intelligence source (CHIS) interactions. Issue 3 (3rd July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moffett, Lee; Oxburgh, Gavin E.; Dresser, Paul; Gabbert, Fiona; Watson, Steven J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of policing, intelligence and counter terrorism. Volume 18:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2023-07-03
• Subjects: CHIS -- HUMINT -- informant -- intelligence interview -- RWITS-US; 363.3205
• DOI: 10.1080/18335330.2022.2153614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1833-5330

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The covert use of civilian informants leaves law enforcement agencies open to accusations of unethical conduct. The use of a structured interview protocol is a recognised method of promoting ethical interactions between police and public citizens, however, there is no known interview model specifically designed to meet informant handler objectives. The current study adopts a holistic view of the interaction between 'informant' and 'handler' to develop a bespoke informant interview model (RWITS-US: R eview and Research, W elfare, I nformation, T asking, S ecurity, U nderstanding Context, S haring). This model is compared to the PEACE model of interviewing as part of a novel experimental paradigm using mock-informants ( N = 19), measuring levels of motivation, rapport, cooperation and intelligence gain. Results indicate that the RWITS-US model generated significantly greater levels of self-reported rapport without having any detrimental effect on the other measured variables. Whilst the results are encouraging, we suggest that the RWITS-US model should be tested in handler training environments before being recommended for widespread use in the field.