Investigative Discourse Analysis: Statements, Letters, and Transcripts

Too often investigators from all areas and fields consider written statements, transcripts of interviews and interrogations, and letters as mere pieces of paper to be filed. They are only useful at face value - as simple records, sworn statements, archives. In Investigative Discourse Analysis, Don Rabon demonstrates that these files can be put to work. These files can mean much more if the investigator uses proven techniques to move beyond the archive.

These files are analogous to a crime scene. To the uninitiated, the crime scene might look just like an ordinary room. To the trained eye, however, there can be evidence for follow-up everywhere. This book introduces techniques for discourse analysis in which a statement can be examined for more information than that available to the untrained eye.

These techniques lead the investigator to the sensitive areas of the statement or transcript where there might be deception. Armed with indications of the intent to falsify or conceal, the investigator can then focus the investigation on the heart of the deception. Follow-up questions and further investigation can be planned and executed.

Don Rabon is retired from his position as Deputy Director of the Western Campus of the North Carolina Justice Academy.