Investigative Subject Interviews & Witness Interviews

The Power of Human Intelligence

In many investigations, documents, databases, social media, and public records can tell you what happened. But sometimes the most important information exists only in the mind of a person who was there.

That is where a professionally planned investigative interview can make the difference.

Crossroads Investigations provides investigative subject interviews and witness interviews for attorneys, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Florida and nationwide. Our interviews are strategically planned and directed by Crossroads Investigations President Marc Hurwitz, a former CIA officer with extensive experience obtaining, evaluating, and analyzing information from human sources.

An effective investigative interview is much more than asking someone a list of questions.

It requires preparation. It requires understanding what information is already known, identifying what remains unknown, determining the best order and manner in which to approach sensitive subjects, recognizing inconsistencies, and knowing when an unexpected answer deserves further exploration.

Most importantly, it requires knowing how to listen.

Crossroads Investigations approaches interviews as an intelligence-gathering process designed to uncover relevant facts, identify additional evidence, assess the reliability of information provided, and develop new investigative leads.

What Is an Investigative Subject Interview?

An investigative subject interview is a structured conversation conducted for the purpose of obtaining information relevant to an investigation, dispute, litigation matter, internal investigation, fraud inquiry, or other fact-finding effort.

Depending on the case, the person being interviewed may be:

• A witness to relevant events
• A former employee
• A current employee
• A business associate
• A vendor or contractor
• A potential whistleblower
• A person with knowledge of suspected fraud or misconduct
• An individual identified during a corporate investigation
• A person with knowledge of disputed transactions
• A former partner or associate of an investigative subject
• An individual located in another state or country
• A person who may possess documents, electronic communications, photographs, or other evidence

The objective is not simply to obtain answers to predetermined questions. The objective is to understand what the individual knows and determine where that information may lead the investigation.

The Crossroads Difference: Interviews Directed by a Former CIA Officer

Crossroads Investigations was founded by former CIA officer Marc Hurwitz.

During his career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Hurwitz developed extensive experience involving the collection, evaluation, and analysis of information from human sources. That background provides a perspective that is particularly valuable when conducting investigative interviews.

Human beings rarely communicate important information in perfectly organized chronological narratives.

They remember things out of sequence. They leave out details they believe are insignificant. They make assumptions. They may minimize their own involvement. They may exaggerate. They may be nervous about discussing certain subjects. And sometimes an apparently insignificant comment becomes the most important lead in an investigation.

A skilled interviewer needs to recognize those moments.

Crossroads uses an intelligence-driven approach to investigative interviews. Before an interview takes place, we seek to understand the broader investigation so that questions can be designed around both the known facts and the unanswered questions.

During the interview, we are listening not only for answers, but also for inconsistencies, gaps, corroborating details, new names, potential evidence, and investigative opportunities.

Strategic Interview Preparation

The quality of an investigative interview often depends on the work performed before the first question is asked.

When appropriate, Crossroads reviews relevant background information and investigative materials before conducting the interview. Depending on the engagement, these materials may include correspondence, investigative reports, public records, corporate records, litigation documents, timelines, photographs, social media information, financial information, or other evidence supplied by the client.

From that information, we can develop an interview strategy focused on the specific objectives of the investigation.

Preparation may include:

• Establishing the known factual timeline
• Identifying information that requires confirmation
• Identifying inconsistencies or unanswered questions
• Developing subject-specific questions
• Determining which topics should be addressed first
• Identifying potentially sensitive areas of inquiry
• Preparing follow-up questions
• Identifying documents or evidence that may be referenced during the interview
• Determining what additional evidence the interviewee may possess
• Identifying other potential witnesses or sources
• Developing a strategy for unexpected disclosures

This preparation allows the interviewer to understand why each question matters instead of simply working through a generic checklist.

Going Beyond the Prepared Questions

One of the biggest limitations of a scripted interview is that the most important information frequently appears unexpectedly.

A witness may mention another person who was never previously identified.

A former employee may reveal that relevant communications exist on another device.

A business associate may describe a meeting investigators did not know occurred.

Someone may casually mention an email, text message, photograph, bank transaction, computer, document, or conversation that could substantially change the direction of an investigation.

Those moments require judgment.

Crossroads investigators are prepared to depart from the original interview outline when an answer creates a legitimate new avenue of inquiry. The goal is not merely to complete the questions. The goal is to obtain useful intelligence.

Identifying and Preserving Potential Evidence

An investigative interview can also help identify evidence that might otherwise remain undiscovered.

During an interview, Crossroads may seek to determine whether the interviewee possesses or knows about relevant:

• Emails
• Text messages
• WhatsApp or other messaging communications
• Photographs or videos
• Computers or mobile devices
• Business records
• Contracts or agreements
• Financial records
• Social media communications
• Audio recordings
• Calendars
• Travel records
• Contact information
• Other witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge

When potentially significant evidence is identified, Crossroads can report that information to the client so appropriate next steps can be considered. For attorneys, this can be particularly useful in identifying potential evidence for preservation, discovery, subpoenas, or additional investigation.

Witness Interviews for Attorneys and Law Firms

Crossroads Investigations regularly works with attorneys and law firms that need experienced investigative assistance.

A private investigator can provide an important advantage when attorneys need to locate and interview witnesses outside the formal deposition process.

Investigative witness interviews may assist counsel with:

• Civil litigation
• Commercial disputes
• Fraud investigations
• Criminal defense investigations
• Employment disputes
• Internal corporate investigations
• Asset recovery matters
• Business disputes
• Due diligence investigations
• Pre-litigation investigations
• Post-judgment investigations
• Witness development

An investigative interview may help counsel better understand what a witness knows before deciding whether additional legal action is warranted. Crossroads can also provide the attorney with a written memorandum or investigative report documenting relevant information obtained during the interview.

Corporate and Workplace Investigative Interviews

Businesses sometimes encounter situations in which management needs an independent understanding of what occurred.

Crossroads can assist corporations, executives, outside counsel, and other organizations with interviews involving allegations of:

• Employee misconduct
• Fraud
• Theft
• Conflicts of interest
• Vendor misconduct
• Misappropriation of company resources
• Unauthorized disclosure of information
• Business partner disputes
• Competitive intelligence concerns
• Internal policy violations
• Other suspected wrongdoing

The scope and approach can be coordinated with management or legal counsel based upon the circumstances of the investigation.

Interviewing Reluctant or Sensitive Witnesses

Not every witness is eager to speak.

Some people are nervous. Others are suspicious about why they are being contacted. Some are concerned about becoming involved in litigation. Others may fear repercussions from employers, business associates, family members, or other individuals.

The initial approach can therefore be extremely important.

An overly aggressive approach may cause a potentially valuable witness to stop communicating entirely.

Crossroads emphasizes professional, respectful communication designed to establish rapport while clearly understanding the investigative objectives. The purpose is not to intimidate or pressure someone into providing information. It is to create an environment in which a willing interviewee can provide relevant information and explain what they know.

Credibility and Information Assessment

Investigators should be careful about making absolute judgments regarding whether someone is telling the truth. Human behavior is complex, and there is no reliable behavioral shortcut that can definitively establish deception.

Instead, Crossroads evaluates the information obtained during an interview in the context of the broader investigation.

Relevant considerations may include:

• Whether the account is internally consistent
• Whether the timeline makes sense
• Whether statements are consistent with independently established facts
• Whether the person has firsthand or secondhand knowledge
• Whether supporting documentation exists
• Whether other witnesses can corroborate the information
• Whether statements conflict with available records
• Whether the interview generates independently verifiable information
• Whether the person has an apparent motive or bias that should be considered

Whenever possible, significant statements should be tested against independent evidence. The interview becomes one component of a larger investigative process rather than being viewed in isolation.

Remote, Telephone, and In-Person Investigative Interviews

Depending on the circumstances and location of the witness, Crossroads can coordinate investigative interviews by telephone, video conference, or in person.

Remote interviews can be particularly valuable when witnesses are located outside South Florida, elsewhere in the United States, or internationally. Crossroads can evaluate the circumstances of the assignment and recommend an appropriate interview format.

International Investigative Interviews

Modern investigations increasingly cross international borders.

Witnesses, former employees, business partners, vendors, and other relevant individuals may reside outside the United States even when the underlying litigation or investigation is based in Florida.

Crossroads’ intelligence background and international investigative experience can be particularly valuable in these situations.

When appropriate and legally permissible, Crossroads can coordinate interviews involving individuals outside the United States and work with local resources when necessary.

International assignments are evaluated individually based upon the location, circumstances, applicable laws, security considerations, and objectives of the investigation.

From Interview to Investigative Leads

A successful interview frequently creates additional investigative opportunities.

For example, information obtained during an interview might identify:

• A previously unknown witness
• A previously unknown company
• An undisclosed business relationship
• An additional telephone number
• A new email address
• Relevant social media accounts
• Potential assets
• Previously unknown communications
• Additional documents
• A device containing relevant information
• Another jurisdiction connected to the investigation
• A discrepancy requiring additional investigation

Crossroads can then work with the client to determine which new leads should be pursued. This ability to integrate interviews with broader investigative capabilities is one of the major advantages of using a full-service private investigation agency.

Need the witness found first? Our skip trace and locate reports find people, and we can then interview them for your attorney.

Written Investigative Interview Reports

Every investigative interview assignment ends with a written report documenting the relevant findings.

Depending upon the client’s needs, reporting may include:

• Background and purpose of the interview
• Date and method of interview
• Individuals participating
• Summary of information provided
• Relevant chronology
• Important statements
• Potential inconsistencies
• Newly identified individuals or entities
• Potential evidence identified during the interview
• Recommended investigative follow-up
• Additional leads developed from the interview

For legal matters, Crossroads can coordinate the format and scope of reporting with counsel.

Investigative Interviews in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Throughout Florida

Crossroads Investigations is a Florida private investigation agency serving attorneys, corporations, businesses, and private clients throughout South Florida and across the state.

We provide investigative interview services in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and throughout Florida, including Miami, Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities.

Crossroads also handles investigative assignments throughout the United States and internationally through appropriate investigative resources.

Why Hire Crossroads Investigations for a Subject or Witness Interview?

An interview can be one of the most consequential stages of an investigation.

The right question at the right moment can uncover information that months of database research might never reveal.

Crossroads combines professional investigative experience with the intelligence background of a former CIA officer to help clients determine what a witness knows, evaluate that information against the existing evidence, and identify where the investigation should go next.

For attorneys, corporations, and individuals facing complex matters, the objective is simple: Ask better questions. Listen carefully. Follow the information wherever it leads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investigative Interviews

What is an investigative subject interview?

An investigative subject interview is a structured interview conducted to obtain information from an individual who may have knowledge relevant to an investigation, legal matter, business dispute, fraud inquiry, or other fact-finding effort. The person does not necessarily have to be the target of the investigation.

What is the difference between a subject interview and a witness interview?

The terms can overlap. A witness generally has information about events or people relevant to an investigation. A “subject” may have a more direct connection to the matter being investigated. Crossroads determines the appropriate interview strategy based on the individual’s role and the objectives of the investigation.

Who conducts Crossroads investigative interviews?

Crossroads investigative interviews are conducted or strategically directed by experienced investigators, with interview strategy directed by Crossroads Investigations President Marc Hurwitz, a former CIA officer.

How does a former CIA officer’s experience help with investigative interviews?

Intelligence work requires collecting, evaluating, and analyzing information from human sources. That experience can be valuable in preparing interview strategies, developing questions, recognizing information that warrants additional exploration, identifying inconsistencies, and turning information obtained during an interview into actionable investigative leads.

Can Crossroads interview a witness for my attorney?

Yes. Crossroads works with attorneys and law firms on investigative witness interviews in connection with litigation, pre-litigation investigations, fraud matters, commercial disputes, criminal defense matters, and other legal proceedings. The scope of the assignment can be coordinated directly with counsel.

Can Crossroads determine whether someone is lying?

Crossroads does not claim that an investigator can determine deception simply by observing someone’s behavior. Instead, statements can be evaluated against known facts, documents, timelines, other witnesses, and independently verifiable information. Corroboration is generally far more valuable than attempting to “read” someone’s body language.

Can you interview someone who does not want to talk?

A private investigator cannot compel someone to participate in a voluntary interview. Crossroads can professionally approach an individual and request an interview, but the person generally has the right to decline unless some separate legal process requires their participation.

Can Crossroads conduct interviews remotely?

Yes. Depending upon the circumstances, interviews may be conducted by telephone, video conference, or in person.

Can Crossroads interview someone outside Florida?

Yes. Crossroads handles investigations throughout Florida and can coordinate investigative assignments elsewhere in the United States. The appropriate approach depends upon the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Can Crossroads conduct international interviews?

Potentially. International interviews are evaluated on a case-by-case basis based upon the country, applicable laws, investigative objectives, and logistical and security considerations.

Do you prepare questions before the interview?

Yes. In appropriate cases, Crossroads reviews the available information and develops an interview strategy and question outline before the interview. The interviewer may also pursue relevant follow-up questions that arise from unexpected information provided during the conversation.

What happens if the witness reveals new evidence?

That can be one of the most valuable outcomes of an investigative interview. Crossroads can identify and report potential new evidence to the client and, when authorized, conduct additional investigation based upon the newly developed information.

Will I receive a written report after the interview?

Written investigative reports or interview memoranda can be prepared depending upon the client’s needs. Reports can document the significant information obtained, identify potential evidence and additional witnesses, and outline investigative leads developed from the interview.

Are investigative interviews confidential?

Crossroads treats client matters with discretion and confidentiality consistent with applicable law and professional obligations. Attorneys should discuss privilege and work-product considerations with their counsel when retaining an investigator in connection with legal proceedings.

How much does an investigative subject or witness interview cost?

The cost depends upon the complexity of the matter, preparation required, volume of materials to review, location of the interviewee, interview length, travel requirements, and reporting needs. Crossroads can provide a proposed scope after learning more about the assignment.

How do I hire a private investigator to conduct a subject or witness interview?

Contact Crossroads Investigations and provide a general overview of the matter, the individual you would like interviewed, their location, and the information you are seeking. We can then evaluate the assignment, discuss interview strategy, and recommend the appropriate next steps.