<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR, Author at Wicklander-Zulawski</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.w-z.com/author/aweaver2/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.w-z.com/author/aweaver2/</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:21:58 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.6</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-Favicon-Size-WZ-1-32x32.png</url>
	<title>Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR, Author at Wicklander-Zulawski</title>
	<link>https://www.w-z.com/author/aweaver2/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Building Rapport During an Investigative Interview</title>
		<link>https://www.w-z.com/2023/04/24/building-rapport-during-an-investigative-interview/</link>
					<comments>https://www.w-z.com/2023/04/24/building-rapport-during-an-investigative-interview/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Interview Strategies]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.w-z.com/?p=11818</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Research offers practitioners effective communication methods to gather information. One such example is rapport building. Many studies have demonstrated the positive effect of building rapport on outcomes such as interviewee cooperation and information disclosure. Because an interviewer depends on the interviewee&#8217;s willingness to cooperate, evidence-based interviewing techniques are essential in creating a connection. In conjunction with maintenance, rapport building offers a path toward more successful interactions. Whether in the workplace or field, an interviewer&#8217;s techniques can impact credibility, reputation, and morale positively or negatively. Rapport plays a role in different contexts, such as the workplace and social settings. It&#8217;s&#160;the basis of all communication and a critical element of successful communication; therefore, it is essential even in conflict resolution settings. When mediating or resolving conflict, some basic principles include establishing a positive, trusting, and productive relationship between conflicting parties. Rapport, by design, incorporates those principles by building trust, promoting autonomy, improving communication, fostering collaboration, and creating positive outcomes. You may be familiar with the phrase, ‘People like people who are like them.&#8217; This mode of expression is an example of Similarity Bias1 or the &#8216;birds of a feather&#8217; effect. This bias refers to the tendency of people to prefer and be...</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2023/04/24/building-rapport-during-an-investigative-interview/">Building Rapport During an Investigative Interview</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Research offers practitioners effective communication methods to gather information. One such example is rapport building. Many studies have demonstrated the positive effect of building rapport on outcomes such as interviewee cooperation and information disclosure.</p>



<p>Because an interviewer depends on the interviewee&#8217;s willingness to cooperate, evidence-based interviewing techniques are essential in creating a connection. In conjunction with maintenance, rapport building offers a path toward more successful interactions. Whether in the workplace or field, an interviewer&#8217;s techniques can impact credibility, reputation, and morale positively or negatively.</p>



<p>Rapport plays a role in different contexts, such as the workplace and social settings. It&#8217;s<strong>&nbsp;</strong>the basis of all communication and a critical element of successful communication; therefore, it is essential even in conflict resolution settings.</p>



<p>When mediating or resolving conflict, some basic principles include establishing a positive, trusting, and productive relationship between conflicting parties. Rapport, by design, incorporates those principles by building trust, promoting autonomy, improving communication, fostering collaboration, and creating positive outcomes.</p>



<p>You may be familiar with the phrase, ‘People like people who are like them.&#8217; This mode of expression is an example of Similarity Bias<sup>1</sup> or the &#8216;birds of a feather&#8217; effect. This bias refers to the tendency of people to prefer and be attracted to others who share similar characteristics, such as beliefs, values, interests, backgrounds, and demographic factors. Having this knowledge, it stands to reason that building rapport with other parties increases your chances of finding a way to resolve conflict.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">TRANSLATING RESEARCH TO PRACTICE</h5>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Build Trust</strong></h6>



<p>Rapport helps to&nbsp;build trust&nbsp;between conflicting parties. When individuals feel comfortable and connected, they are more likely to be open and honest about their perspectives, needs, and concerns. This openness can bridge the gap between conflicting parties and pave the way for a more productive dialogue.</p>



<p>When we build trust and encourage mutual attention, involvement is depicted by the simple idea that my focused attention on you makes you feel involved in the interaction and vice versa. An essential component of rapport is when we both simultaneously attend to one another and feel engaged in the exchange.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Create a Safe Space</strong></h6>



<p>When rapport is established, individuals feel more comfortable and safe sharing their thoughts and emotions. This can be characterized by all parties engaged in the interaction having positive attitudes toward one another. Signs of acceptance, such as nonverbal behaviors, can signal mutual positivity. In a conflict situation, creating a safe space for individuals to express their views without fear of judgment or retribution can be crucial to resolving the conflict.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Foster Empathy</strong></h6>



<p>Rapport can help to&nbsp;foster empathy&nbsp;between conflicting parties. When individuals feel connected to one another, they are more likely to understand and appreciate the other person&#8217;s perspective. This empathy can help to de-escalate the conflict and create a more collaborative and solution-focused environment.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Encourage Cooperation</strong></h6>



<p>Rapport can encourage individuals to&nbsp;work together&nbsp;towards a common goal. When individuals feel connected to one another, they are more likely to be willing to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions to the conflict.</p>



<p>Working together can also be described as the feeling of being &#8216;in sync&#8217; or aligned with the other parties involved in the interaction. Rapport-related coordination includes smooth turn-taking in conversation, in which the listener acknowledges understanding, agreement, or attention with a forward lean, head nods, and brief encouragers. This type of active listening is active in everyday social encounters but is quite subtle. The powerful effects of active listening result in greater rapport building and maintenance in the interaction.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Find Common Ground</strong></h6>



<p>Rapport can help individuals to find&nbsp;common ground and identify shared goals and interests. By focusing on what they have in common rather than their differences, conflicting parties can find a way to move toward a resolution.</p>



<p>When people are motivated to create an affiliation with others, they automatically and unconsciously increase their active listening. When people actively listen to one another, their communication becomes a choreographed dance. To the extent that the communications are synchronized, we feel more rapport, increasing our trust in those we communicate with. Such rapport-based trust is instrumental during conflict resolution.</p>



<p>Building rapport between conflicting parties helps create a more positive and collaborative environment, leading to a more successful conflict resolution.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.w-z.com/webinars/"><strong>NEED MORE PRACTICE WITH RAPPORT BUILDING, EMPATHY, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION? CONSIDER A CUSTOM WEBINAR SERIES FOR YOUR TEAM OR ORGANIZATION!</strong></a></h5>



<p><sup>1 </sup>Tarallo, Mark (2020, March 31) <a href="https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/Pages/self-aware-managers.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How Managers Can Overcome Their Personal Biases</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2023/04/24/building-rapport-during-an-investigative-interview/">Building Rapport During an Investigative Interview</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.w-z.com/2023/04/24/building-rapport-during-an-investigative-interview/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Challenge. Change. Contribute. #BreaktheBias</title>
		<link>https://www.w-z.com/2022/03/24/challenge-change-contribute-breakthebias/</link>
					<comments>https://www.w-z.com/2022/03/24/challenge-change-contribute-breakthebias/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[In the News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.w-z.com/?p=11072</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As we think about celebrating #IWD2022, we must first step back and ask ourselves a basic set of questions. If change starts with you, where do you start? What can you do within your organization, agency, or community? What can you do personally within your families and/or parenting to break the bias and start seeing more people feel included, less judged, more invited into the conversation, and opportunities? Choosing to read this blog is part of what it means to choose to support the theme of this year's International Women's Day: #breakthebias.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2022/03/24/challenge-change-contribute-breakthebias/">Challenge. Change. Contribute. #BreaktheBias</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wpb-content-wrapper"><section class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>As we celebrate International Women&#8217;s Day 2022, we&#8217;re striving for a world that&#8217;s free of bias, discrimination, and stereotyping. We&#8217;re encouraging the amplifying of women&#8217;s voices to enable us to start looking at how we can challenge, and where necessary change, the current behaviors, both male and female behaviors, about the way we stereotype, apply gender bias, and speak in everyday language. With that, we here at WZ are celebrating #IWD2022 for the entire month of March. Not only do we see women&#8217;s representation within a male-dominated industry as a key role, but it&#8217;s also an important discussion we&#8217;d love to disrupt.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->As we think about celebrating #IWD2022, we must first step back and ask ourselves a basic set of questions.<em> If change starts with you, where do you start?</em> What can you do within your organization, agency, or community? What can you do personally within your families and/or parenting to break the bias and start seeing more people feel included, less judged, more invited into the conversation, and opportunities? Choosing to read this blog is part of what it means to choose to support the theme of this year&#8217;s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGLBKtricEx5dzvbIkA9wjrilNaG0MId_"> International Women&#8217;s Day</a>: <strong>#breakthebias.</strong></p>
<h6>RECOGNIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE</h6>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->I love a new phraseology in US politics: Build, Back, Better. There are many things that we want to keep and that are great. But there are also a considerable number of things that we must fundamentally change. Remember, waves start at some point and then travel around the world. I believe women worldwide are beginning to become more and more unsettled with the status quo and ready for a change. But, the fact is there&#8217;s still a long way to go before we eradicate these issues. <strong>A great starting point to this conversation is recognizing the fact we need to amplify women&#8217;s voices.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->You may be asking yourself, &#8216;How the heck can I amplify the voices of women?’ It&#8217;s important to think of allyship as an action. I define an ally as someone who listens to understand and learn from others&#8217; experiences and is open to growing in their allyship. To be a genuine ally requires you to take action daily.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->I&#8217;ve learned over my career that when looking to amplify women&#8217;s voices, you must start by looking at how women can develop their skills for the present and future. This involves <strong>commitment</strong>. Allies use their voice and power to elevate, amplify, and act in partnership with others. I am passionate about creating an environment where all voices are represented and heard in both the discussion and the solutions. I genuinely believe it requires an understanding of everyone&#8217;s strengths and a focus on developing people for the present and future. By understanding the people involved in a project, initiative, and team environment, I can anticipate potential dynamics and prepare everyone to do their best while still coaching and supporting them if needed. By amplifying the voices of individuals who have been under-heard and/or under-represented in the environment, we can achieve better decisions in a more efficient, effective, and inclusive way.</p>
<h6>COLLABORATION IN ACTION</h6>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->It is essential to provide practical techniques that employees can apply when they encounter circumstances where their voices are not being heard. Allies must be very intentional and proactive at setting an environment for successful and productive dialogue. This takes adequate preparation of discussions, understanding the audience, and setting expectations from the start. Being prepared is most critical to success as people can embrace the emotion of being talked over and respond from a position of effective control. For example, by asking one key contributor to allow another key contributor in the space to finish their thoughts instead of transitioning into a new topic.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->As I have been both a mentor and mentee, I&#8217;ve learned incredible lessons to improve the way I interact with individuals where they are, how I interact with them, think through their lens, and support them. I&#8217;m incredibly thankful to the women who have given me the opportunity and trust to be part of their journey because, thanks to them, I&#8217;ve not only learned ways to challenge the status quo but also learned what being an ally truly is. I think mentorship is an excellent and unique way to contribute to others&#8217; development while also adding to your journey. I appreciate the many individuals who have put their vulnerabilities, strengths, and opportunities on the table and trust me to be part of their support system.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->I&#8217;m often asked,<em> &#8216;What is the most important thing you can do to provide <a href="https://www.w-z.com/2017/05/17/maximizing-mentorship/">mentorship</a> to a colleague?&#8217; </em>A great mentor gets involved in understanding a mentee&#8217;s strengths and helps a mentee discover how much more they can achieve, do, and how their uniqueness can enable success. I believe it is critical to understand your mentee&#8217;s key objectives, their &#8216;superpowers&#8217; if you will, and to what extent they are leveraging their superpowers today to impact success.</p>
<h6>IN AN ORGANIZATION</h6>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Many organizations and agencies also have guidelines for inclusion, which increase effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving between individuals and groups. There are many ways to find a mentor through <strong>employee resource groups </strong>(ERGs). The principles of these groups help employees think intentionally and create an environment where they are constantly working to be inclusive of all voices in the conversation. If an ERG or mentorship program doesn&#8217;t already exist within your organization or agency, there is an opportunity for you to be part of the solution and organize a working team to initiate it. The effective ERG&#8217;s I&#8217;ve seen are ones with top-level support.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->There are countless benefits to strengthening and increasing equitable and genuine relationships across differences to deepen inclusion. Great, diverse dialogues can lead to commitments to prioritize disrupting behaviors. But remember, change must start somewhere.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><em>*I dedicate this blog to Mike Jackson, LPC, and Damaris Colon, CFI. These two individuals have made a significant impact on my career and within my life. Your continued support has empowered me to be better and contributed to where I am today. For that, I am forever grateful and indebted to you. Thank you.</em></p>
</div></div></div></div></section></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2022/03/24/challenge-change-contribute-breakthebias/">Challenge. Change. Contribute. #BreaktheBias</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.w-z.com/2022/03/24/challenge-change-contribute-breakthebias/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>GOT QUESTIONS? We’ve Got Answers</title>
		<link>https://www.w-z.com/2021/12/20/got-questions-weve-got-answers/</link>
					<comments>https://www.w-z.com/2021/12/20/got-questions-weve-got-answers/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2021 04:38:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Development]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.w-z.com/?p=11065</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2021/12/20/got-questions-weve-got-answers/">GOT QUESTIONS? We’ve Got Answers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wpb-content-wrapper"><section class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid  vc_custom_1650430310824 vc_row-has-fill"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WZ instructors answer compelling questions from 2021.</strong></h6>
<p>I love hearing stories about people finding their way into the interviewing profession, be it the public or private sector. And that’s how many interviewing professionals say it happened: They hadn’t planned on going into interviewing, but after interacting with someone in the interviewing field or having a good experience at a job, they realized it was the right career choice for them.</p>
<p>Lots of interviewing professionals learn on the job. Putting concepts into practice is an important learning strategy, and your daily tasks provide an excellent resource for applying interviewing concepts. Whether you have just found your way to the public or private sector or are a seasoned interviewing professional, as instructors, we welcome participants who attend WZ training programs to ask questions. Questions are another form of learning and a way to gain valuable information applicable to your environment.</p>
<p><strong>If you’ve ever wondered what type of questions WZ instructors are asked, you’re about to find out.</strong>  I’ve gathered a series of questions they were asked this past year from attendees, clients, and peers.  Many of these questions come based on social trends, environmental issues, or even new laws and their impact on the interviewing profession.  The advantage in gaining answers to the questions they’ve answered is that the information will also be helpful to know in the year to come</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429663737 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Shane Sturman, CFI, CPP</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid  vc_custom_1650429633754 vc_row-has-fill"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="1" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>As a service business conducting in-person training nationally and internationally, how were you able to survive COVID and all the travel restrictions?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>Prior to COVID, we were already working with some of our larger clients to identify how we could train large numbers of their personnel and reduce some of the costs associated with the training. The most significant training expense is travel. After looking for ways to reduce those costs, we started broadcasting our training to multiple regional locations from their studios, training hundreds of people at a time and eliminating most of their travel costs.</p>
<p>When COVID hit restricting travel, we immediately pivoted to virtual training using zoom and teams. Because those platforms do not support video well, we modified our training, making it even more interactive, replacing video with practical exercises using breakout rooms. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Some of our clients have commented that they will not go back to in-person training because of the significant cost savings with the reduction of travel costs and the quality of our training delivered virtually.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429681014 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Dave Thompson, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="3" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-1-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>What role does WZ play in partnering with organizations like the Innocence Project, legislative bodies, or other advocacy groups?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>There is often a significant disconnect between the practitioner (investigator), the academic (researcher), and the attorneys or policymakers.  Our responsibility as a training organization is to be the conduit between all these groups.  In our role, not only do we want to provide practitioners with digestible information from the latest research or legislation, but we also want to represent the investigator’s perspective in these discussions.  Our partners can count on us to continue to play an active role in evolving interrogation standards through collaboration and progressive discussions.  We want to ensure that investigators have the appropriate tools to conduct compelling interviews while also mitigating the likelihood of false confessions through an evidence-based approach.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429695311 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Wayne Hoover, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="2" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-1-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>Most professional interviewers already know about rapport; why does WZ cover this as part of their training?  </strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>Rapport is not just a step in the WZ Method; it is a process that enables people to communicate effectively. WZ would hope all interviewers are developing rapport with their teams daily. At a minimum in the interview, it provides commonality between the interviewer and the person being interviewed to share truths during a discussion.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429708814 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Brett Ward, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="1" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-2-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>What do you consider critical components when designing a game plan for a conversation focused on obtaining the truth</strong>?</h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>First and foremost, it’s good to hear folks still consider the importance of prep work. I have come across too many folks who feel a certificate or two on the wall equals competency. There are several aspects I would consider. Comfort level with intended strategy and is it the best fit for the subject, or simply a product of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Potential objections, explanatory denials, explanations of evidence, and my intentions of overcoming verbally. Empathy-based statements (rationalizations) are not stock regurgitations but impactful, honest and motivating. Core components and coaching strategy if moved to a position of documentation – how do I protect the entity and integrity of the conversation. Indeed, many other hurdles to consider (motive, intent, circumstances, etc.) but a desire to prep a Varsity thought process….</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429726247 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Juan Valverde, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="3" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-2-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>WZ is a US-based method, how does this technique apply to the Latin culture and Latin-based companies? Este es un método basado en los Estados Unidos, ¿cómo se aplica esta técnica a la cultura de los latinos y las empresas latinas?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>The method was developed and grown in the US but is based on the natural response of all of us. I have had the opportunity to apply the technique for over 20 years in LATAM; interviews and colleagues in the US have seen the same results in Spanish and Portuguese. I also know many US operations have moved to Latin America and successfully applied the WZ method in their new expansions in the region as well many local companies adopting WZ as their only interview process.</p>
<p>El método, se desarrolló y creció en los EE. UU., pero se basa en la respuesta natural de todos nosotros. Había aplicado la técnica durante más de 20 años en LATAM con entrevistas en español o portugués y muestra los mismos resultados, como los colegas en EE.UU. También sé que un gran número de operaciones de EE.UU. se trasladaron a LATAM con éxito y aplicaron el metodo WZ  en sus nuevas expansiones en la región, así como un gran número de empresas locales que adoptaron el metodo WZ como su único proceso de entrevista.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429741792 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Joe Wolf, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="5" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>What is the most crucial takeaway/proactive measure someone can utilize when dealing with a potentially hostile situation?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>Patience. You have time to let your de-escalation skills work for you. Many times, people who are frustrated, angry, disappointed, or confused merely want to be heard. Take the time to listen. Remember, they aren’t upset with you – instead of with the situation in which they find themselves. Let the insults and emotionally charged language roll over you like water off a duck. Remind yourself that YOU are the professional here and that you’re there as a problem solver, not an enforcer. That positive attitude will become apparent to the other person and may create just the collaborative opportunity the situation requires.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429754912 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Tony Paixao, CFI, CFE</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="4" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>You’ve spoken with several interviewing professionals over the year. Is there a common theme you’re hearing around what’s next as the beautiful world of interviewing continues to evolve?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>The common theme that we see both internally and during our conversations with global thought leaders throughout the industry is that evolution is critical. Interview training is changing at a rate, unlike anything we have ever seen before. There has never been a time that we have observed such an abundance of credible research in the study of investigative interviewing; all made accessible to practitioners, academics, and legislatures alike. We are constantly evaluating our curriculum to stay on pace with these changes and ideally stay ahead of the curve. Providing training that prioritizes evidence-based practices over individual experiences, and continuing to lean into rapport-based, non-confrontational, fact-finding modalities, will be the benchmark in the next chapter of the beautiful world of interview training.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429771487 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1200" height="1200" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="Amanda Headshot" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot.png 1200w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amanda-Headshot-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><div class="section_row clearfix section_default">
<div class="row">
<div class="row_inner">
<div class="wpb_column vc_column_container grid_10">
<div class="vc_column-inner">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<h6><strong>How do you keep attendees of your seminars engaged for so long?</strong></h6>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section_row clearfix section_default">
<div class="row">
<div class="row_inner">
<div class="wpb_column vc_column_container grid_12">
<div class="vc_column-inner">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper"> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>Effective instruction is crucial to encourage change without triggering resistance. Recognizing the critical elements of Andragogy (the Malcolm Knowles Theory) is an essential mark of an engaged Instructor. Understanding adults prefer to learn from doing and real-life experiences are crucial. They’re interested in learning something that has immediate relevance. They prefer a hands-on approach to learning. They like to solve actual problems. All WZ seminars, both live and virtual, by design meet each of these principles. I believe effective instructors must distinguish between how to manage attendees’ needs and lead the instruction.</p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_blue vc_custom_1650429786614 wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><h4>Chris Norris, CFI</h4><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper">
	<div  class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_right wpb_content_element">
		
		<figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure">
			<div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_circle  vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2.png" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" title="2" srcset="https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2.png 1080w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-300x300.png 300w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-150x150.png 150w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-768x768.png 768w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-771x771.png 771w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-120x120.png 120w, https://www.w-z.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-2-81x81.png 81w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></div>
		</figure>
	</div>
</div></div></div><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-10  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="vc_empty_space"   style="height: 32px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><h6><strong>Which remote interview do you find more challenging, video or telephone?  What’s one tip you would offer to help someone interviewing remotely?</strong></h6>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><p>The Remote Interview presents a variety of challenges, and when deciding between the telephone or video conference (VC) call for a remote interview I believe the VC is the more challenging of the two options.  Just a few of the challenges include obstacles like:</p>
<ul>
<li>the potential for more technology failures</li>
<li>your subject’s potential discomfort of being on camera</li>
<li>the fact that they can see you and recognize your notetaking or looking through case materials</li>
<li>placing too much emphasis on non-verbal evaluation which is likely not too accurate</li>
<li>looking at your subject on the screen and not the camera which translates to having no eye contact</li>
<li>putting your subject in a position to have to see themselves as they answer difficult questions</li>
</ul>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, both can be very effective and there could be pros and cons to both remote options, but of the two, I believe the VC presents the most challenges.  The best advice I can provide someone who’s conducting a remote interview, be patient and trust the process.  I see too many good investigators rushing the process remotely.  The mentality of, “it’s a simple issue and I have a good amount of evidence, so I’ll just cut to the chase” translates to being a bit more specific, rushed and possibly confrontational.  Be patient, trust the process and you can obtain good results from hundreds of miles away.</p>
</div></div></div></div></section></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2021/12/20/got-questions-weve-got-answers/">GOT QUESTIONS? We’ve Got Answers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.w-z.com/2021/12/20/got-questions-weve-got-answers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>It’s All About What and Who You Know</title>
		<link>https://www.w-z.com/2021/05/17/its-all-about-what-and-who-you-know/</link>
					<comments>https://www.w-z.com/2021/05/17/its-all-about-what-and-who-you-know/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2021 03:29:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Loss Prevention]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.w-z.com/?p=11053</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Throughout my career, I have had the fortunate experience to work alongside some amazing investigators (both public and private sector) and have had some first-hand experience in dealing with the criminals involved in ORC organizations. Many of us investigators are self-driven and detail-oriented. We have a good level of understanding as to what it takes to successfully investigate these groups and identify their entire organizational structure. We know and understand the importance of providing credible investigative evidence to law enforcement agencies to attack these criminal organizations effectively.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2021/05/17/its-all-about-what-and-who-you-know/">It’s All About What and Who You Know</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wpb-content-wrapper"><section class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12  col-xs-mobile-fullwidth"><div class="vc_column-inner "><div class="wpb_wrapper"><div class="last-paragraph-no-margin"><div class="wp-block-group is-layout-flow">
<p>One of the major difficulties in ORC investigations (organized retail crime) is maintaining open lines of communication between the public and private sectors. I often wonder what truly effective information sharing looks like among retailers, corporate security investigators, and law enforcement agencies related to criminal activity impacting businesses on a real-time basis while preventing other partners from being victimized.</p>
<p>Throughout my career, I have had the fortunate experience to work alongside some amazing investigators (both public and private sector) and have had some first-hand experience in dealing with the criminals involved in ORC organizations. Many of us investigators are self-driven and detail-oriented. We have a good level of understanding as to what it takes to successfully investigate these groups and identify their entire organizational structure. We know and understand the importance of providing credible investigative evidence to law enforcement agencies to attack these criminal organizations effectively.</p>
<p>Recently, I had an opportunity to chat about this very subject with Detective Sergeant Nick Ferrara of the Financial and Organized Crimes Unit of the Gainesville, FL Police Department. Nick and I met a few years back at a Florida Retail Federation event, sponsored by Wicklander-Zulawski (WZ). We shared a table, discussed our backgrounds and eventually shared business cards. Over the years, Nick and I have had multiple opportunities to contact each other when seeking information or insight into various ORC investigations. I learned early on; Nick loves to chase bad guys.</p>
<p>As Nick and I reminisced about the event where we first met, he shared the benefits he has identified from attending various networking events. “These connections have allowed me to have a feel for the current climate or trends. In addition, I’ve had opportunities to meet LP/AP higher-ups who have access to great information and can connect crimes taking place within my community to other jurisdictions.”</p>
<p>Throughout our conversation, Nick referred to various Organized Retail Crime Associations as key to information flow.  These alliances promote intelligence-sharing relating to the business and communities served. This is crucial for ORC investigations. As a result of the intelligence-sharing (i.e. BOLO, PC TO ARREST, a single photo or trend), many have resulted in multi-jurisdiction arrests. Nick went on to share how he became an active member of these platforms or communities, and the information sharing allowed him to start solving cases.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h6 class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">Connect with an ORCA:  Alliances promote intelligence sharing and provide law enforcement with a better opportunity to solve cases.</h6>
<p>As I recounted early on in my career, the days attempting to coordinate a time conducive to my schedule for a detective to meet me and provide to him or her video or information often presented itself as challenging. Nick agreed and pointed out the challenges the responding officer or he would face while waiting for some manager to find the information meanwhile, the calls for police assistance start backing up. Additionally, processing video or photos into and out of evidence takes time. It is often not determined until that point that the video quality was poor or did not convert to disc. Sadly, because of inadequate information sharing, these can become cold cases.</p>
<p>“I’m amazed by the synergy that results from these Organized Retail Crime Association platforms and connections I make. The value of those open lines of communication is priceless. We have been able to increase efficiency, react quickly, and most importantly, these opportunities for information sharing have increased the chance of these cases, with minimal information, being solved.”</p>
<p>Nick went on to share how impressed he is by major retailers’ investigations teams. “They have some great investigators working for them. It can be challenging to understand vague excel spreadsheets passed along to the responding officer when reporting a theft. The level of research presented to me by these investigators is remarkable; be it combing through social media accounts and other public information sites, presentation of clips of video compared to a booking or DL photo, establishing patterns or timelines in a clear, chronological format.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h6 class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">Be Prepared: Recognize what exactly is needed to bring these cases to closure.</h6>
<p>This conversation reminded me of how my own evolution of data collection and information sharing came about. I recall the hours spent surveilling fence locations and recording the comings and goings; mobile surveillance as the suspect traveled not only from mall to mall, but across the state too; those 4am trash pulls and the fun that comes with processing those bags of trash; posing as a customer and completing a controlled buy. I even recall conducting knock and talks with an industry leader who had an amazing way of speaking with people who initially were completely resistant to speaking with us.</p>
<p>In many cases, once PD arrives at a scene, ORC suspects may become uncooperative or reluctant to give further information. I have found much success in taking an opportunity in the non-custodial setting to develop rapport, establish credibility, show some understanding, obtain information and substantiate the details, and essentially allow the suspect to proceed with an uninterrupted narrative. This pre-planned, fact-gathering conversation, using question structure as a technique has allowed me to link suspects, identify multi-jurisdictional incidents, and identify additional fencing locations, all to support my law enforcement partners and prosecutors and ultimately closure of the case.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h6 class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">Proper Information Sharing: Be thorough when gathering all information and review quality of evidence prior to meeting with the detective to avoid delays and prevent cold cases.</h6>
<p>Establishing connections, remaining active within the ORCA communities and approaching each interaction with a ‘What I can do for you is&#8230;’ mindset, versus ‘I can’t do that’ will allow the opportunity to present yourself as a good partner and resource. ORC investigations can&#8217;t be done alone. Who and what you know truly can go a long way in both the private and public sectors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h6 class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">Join or start a local networking event: Getting both public and private sectors together within a specific market or metro has many benefits. Be it an in-person meeting or an email distribution, establish those connections locally.</h6>
<p>For more information on Organized Retail Crime Associations and a complete list of associations, check out the below link: <a href="https://losspreventionmedia.com/organized-retail-crime-associations-complete-list/">https://losspreventionmedia.com/organized-retail-crime-associations-complete-list/</a></p>
<p><em>Nick Ferrara began his career with the Gainesville Police Dept in 1997 as patrol operations. Aside from being promoted to corporal, he attained multiple specialties while in patrol to include DUI enforcement, Traffic Homicide Investigations, SWAT, Rifle Team, and Police Mountain Bike Team. In 2006, Nick was promoted to the detective bureau and worked grand theft autos, frauds, sex crimes, child abuse, child sex crimes, and child homicides until his promotion to Sergeant in 2011. He worked in patrol as a sergeant from Sept 2011 to February 2015 where he was transferred back to Detectives to head the Financial Unit in early 2015 and have been here since that time. Nick is heavily involved in finance crimes, grand theft autos, frauds, ORC investigations, ID thefts, and advancing the department’s utilization of investigative technology (license plate readers, facial recognition, online searching, carfaxforpolice, pawn networks, RING Neighborhood LE portal, etc.). Nick graduated University of Florida in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h6 class="has-large-font-size">WANT TO LEARN MORE?</h6>
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>WZ Webinar on ORC Interviews</strong></span></p>
<p>Obtain proper questioning techniques to determine if a shoplifting incident is a crime of opportunity or if the subject may be connected to an organized theft ring.  Get more details <a href="https://www.w-z.com/register/?id=2547">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"></p>
<p></span></p>
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>The growing issue of organized retail crime (ORC)</strong></span></p>
<p>Discover additional insights with <a href="https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/author/hedgiebartol/">Hedgie Bartol</a>, Retail Business Development Manager at Axis, who caught up with <a href="https://www.w-z.com/instructors/?David_Thompson">Dave Thompson, CFI</a>, President of Wicklander-Zulawski to take a closer look at ORC and its impact on retail today<a href="https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/organized-retail-crime/"> HERE</a>.</p>
</div>
<p><!-- /wp:group --></p>
</div><div class="vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_blue wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element" ><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span><span class="vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r"><span class="vc_sep_line"></span></span>
</div></div></div></div></section></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com/2021/05/17/its-all-about-what-and-who-you-know/">It’s All About What and Who You Know</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.w-z.com">Wicklander-Zulawski</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://www.w-z.com/2021/05/17/its-all-about-what-and-who-you-know/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>