Identify the Truth

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WZ No Longer Teaches Confrontational Methods

Our focus is on providing investigators with methods that are aimed at identifying the truth and obtaining reliable information through ethical, moral and legally acceptable techniques. This focus has been supported by multiple non-confrontational methods taught to our attendees for the past 35 years. The high risk of false confessions, the potential for incorrect or unreliable information, and ultimately the misapplication of confrontational techniques are all reasons why WZ has chosen to no longer offer the confrontational approach in its course selections.

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Non-Confrontational is Better Interviewing

Beginning a conversation with a confrontation almost always results in an emotional denial by the subject. From a guilty subject the denial is a lie, and from an innocent subject the denial stems from fear of being disbelieved. Either way, the conversation has begun with emotional pressure on the subject resulting in an adversarial relationship with the interviewer. A more effective way to identify the truth is through a variety of non-confrontational techniques that allow the conversation to remain cordial without pushing the subject into an emotional or defensive state.

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Dedication to the Truth, Not Confessions

The goal of any interviewer should be to identify the truth. Unfortunately, investigators have sometimes felt pressure to obtain a confession or may have biases based on the investigation that direct their focus on the wrong subject. Our mission at WZ is to provide investigators with a variety of tools to obtain truthful, reliable information as a part of their investigation. WZ is also dedicating time during training to discuss precautions for investigators to take in an effort to prevent false confessions and ultimately substantiate any admissions made by the subject.

Investigative Interviews of Vulnerable PersonsPattie MathisonMarch 15, 2023March 15, 2023
Investigative Interviews of Vulnerable Persons
WZ Consults on Illinois Interview LegislationPattie MathisonApril 15, 2022April 16, 2022
WZ Consults on Illinois Interview Legislation
CRU Report TakeawaysPattie MathisonAugust 11, 2020April 16, 2022
CRU Report Takeaways
USA Today Article on Brendan Dassey’s Clemency PetitionPattie MathisonOctober 3, 2019April 16, 2022
USA Today Article on Brendan Dassey’s Clemency Petition
Brendan Dassey Clemency Press ConferencePattie MathisonOctober 3, 2019April 16, 2022
Brendan Dassey Clemency Press Conference
Brendan Dassey Clemency CoveragePattie MathisonOctober 3, 2019April 16, 2022
Brendan Dassey Clemency Coverage
CIFS Symposium: Time Well SpentPattie MathisonJune 24, 2019April 16, 2022
CIFS Symposium: Time Well Spent
WZ Participates in Northwestern Law Journal Symposium: Key Takeaways for PractitionersPattie MathisonMarch 13, 2019April 16, 2022
WZ Participates in Northwestern Law Journal Symposium: Key Takeaways for Practitioners
WZ Response to Supreme Court Decision in Brendan Dassey CaseDave Thompson CFIJune 26, 2018April 16, 2022
WZ Response to Supreme Court Decision in Brendan Dassey Case
WZ Mentioned in The New Yorker ArticlePattie MathisonJune 6, 2018April 16, 2022
WZ Mentioned in The New Yorker Article
Amicus Brief – Supreme Court of the U.S.Pattie MathisonMay 26, 2018April 15, 2022
Amicus Brief – Supreme Court of the U.S.
Speaking of Psychology: False confessions aren’t always what they seemPattie MathisonMay 1, 2018April 16, 2022
Speaking of Psychology: False confessions aren’t always what they seem
Dassey WINS Federal Court Appeal: Wicklander-Zulawski Cited in DecisionPattie MathisonJune 23, 2017April 16, 2022
Dassey WINS Federal Court Appeal: Wicklander-Zulawski Cited in Decision
I Did It?!: WZ Blog ExcerptWicklander-ZulawskiMarch 2, 2017April 16, 2022
I Did It?!: WZ Blog Excerpt
Case Against ConfrontationWicklander-ZulawskiMarch 2, 2017April 16, 2022
Case Against Confrontation

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