I__. - International Military Testing Association

THE INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEW>
A REVIEW OF PRACTICE AND RESEARCiI
David A. DuBois and Michael J. Bosshardt
Personnel Decisions Research Institutes, Inc.
Martin F. Wiskoff
BDM International, Inc.
Introduction
An important element in safeguarding national security is maintaining personnel security.
Each year thousands of individuals are assigned to jobs that provide them with access to
extremely sensitive or classified information that could adversely affect national security. The
Background Investigation (BI) is the primary method for screening personnel for positions
requiring a Top Secret clearance. This method relies principally on obtaining information from
an interview with the subject. Supplementary information is gathered through self-report
background questionnaires, loca1 agency checks, national agency checks, credit checks, and
interviews with character and employment references. This information is evaluated against
various administrative criteria by adjudicators.
Objectives
The objectives of this paper are to (1) describe the investigative interview, (2) review
research related to the investigative interview, and (3) identify directions for future research in
this area.
Research Approach
A literature review was conducted to identify empirical and descriptive studies related to
the investigative interview. Specifically, computerized and manual literature searches were
performed, as well as a telephone survey of experts from academia, industry, professional
associations, and integrity test publishing companies. In addition, detailed information on
investigative interview practices within the federal government was obtained through site visit
interviews with 10 senior officials at five federal agencies.
What is the investigative interview?
The investigative interview is a method used for gathering information to determine the
reliability of individuals for working in positions of trust or positions that provide access to
extremely sensitive or classified information. Most investigative interviews are conducted by
,organizations within the military services, federal government, and defense industry. These
interviews can involve either the subject or persons who know the subject (e.g., references, past
employers). They are typically conducted by interviewers who are trained in interviewing
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