answers, and to now allow us to eliminate them as a suspect by answering at least one of
the other questions in the After Interview-Interview:
• “I told the truth”
• “I did not lie”
• “I did not do the crime”
We can now analyze the answers to the projective questions on the questionnaire, using
the same criteria we would use in the FAINT Interview: “What should happen to the person that
committed this crime when they are caught?” and “Do you think they should get a second
chance?”
Analyze page two of the questionnaire, using the concepts of statement analysis. Also, go
through all of the questionnaires and identify if there is a strong focus by the group on a
specific suspect, and whether there is any consistency in the group as to who should be
eliminated as a suspect. Although it is not always correct, we cannot ignore the age-old
formula: LD þ WD þ Q ¼ D.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks, it is probably a duck!
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6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
In an actual case involving the theft of some very expensive fur coats, eleven employees
were issued SCAN Questionnaires. Following are the SCAN Questionnaires from four of
the suspects. Please review their SCAN Questionnaires and analyze their answers in an
attempt to identify the culprit.
Suspect 1:
Page One: Instructions
Page Two:
We have reached the conclusion that furs were stolen from your company. Please write
in detail what you know about this and how you would explain it.
I am not totally sold on the furs being stolen. The only thing I know is that the people wlaked out
and the buzzer went off. We went outside and they were gone. Should I know more yes because I am
in charge of the sales floor, but I don’t. I am sorry
Page Three:
If you were going to conduct this investigation how would you do it?
I really don’t know, but then again it is not my place to know. I am not in the investigation
field.
Page Four:
List the five (5) most important causes that would have created this situation.
I don’t there is 5 reasons. Let’s face it if someone did steal the furs it has ot be for the
money.
Page Five:
Do you know for sure who took any of those missing furs?
No.
Did you take any of those missing furs?
No.
It doesn’t mean you’re right, and whatever you say is confidential, but, if you had to sus-
pect someone, who would you suspect, and why?
If it has to be someone I swear Bill because it looks like he took money, so if you can take one thing
you can take anything.
Who would you least suspect, and why?
Jane, if it were her she would not go with all this.
6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
79
What do you think should happen to the person who took the furs when they are caught?
They should be fired.
Would you give them a second chance?
No.
How do you think the investigation will turn out concerning you, and whether you took
any of those missing fur coats?
Clear, because I don’t steal.
Would there be any reason evidence would turn up indicating you took any of those
missing fur coats?
No.
Do you think those missing furs were stolen, or misplaced?
I am not sold totally, but it is starting to look like they were.
Page Six – After Interview-Interview:
How do you feel now that you have completed this questionnaire?
I guess okay.
Should we believe your answers concerning whether you took any of those fur coats?
Yes.
If yes, give one reason why.
Because I don’t steal.
What would you say if the investigation proved you took a missing fur?
It’s wrong.
What were your emotions while filling out this questionnaire? How did you feel?
Well, I feel a little angry because if someone did take the furs that is money out of my pocket.
Were you afraid?
No.
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6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
If you were asked to pay for missing furs, how much would you be willing to pay?
I can’t answer that because I didn’t take them.
Would you like to change any of the information you provided?
No.
Suspect 2:
Page One: Instructions
Page Two:
We have reached the conclusion that furs were stolen from your company. Please write
in detail what you know about this and how you would explain it.
I (first) learned that coats were missing or unaccounted for when we did an inventory back in
March. Since I had just started, this was a new experience for me. We went through a process of look-
ing through the sales books and discovered one or two pieces were in lay-away. The main reason the
inventory that took place in June was taken because a Canadian Lynx was noticed missing. It was
noticed missing when Jane decided to return all of the Lynx pieces to the manufacturer and get newer
styles. Unfortunately I have no explanation how it disappeared. The only thing that bothered me
through this was the fact nobody seemed surprised that there were pieces missing. Some were more
upset than others. Jane was very upset, but she too was not surprised.
Page Three
If you were going to conduct this investigation how would you do it?
To be absolutely honest, I am not really sure. The thing that I would concentrate on is finding
holes in my system and plugging them up. And what I mean by this changing some everyday routines,
when we have unusual people come, they do not come unsupervised, they get counted not once but
twice. No employees should be allowed to bring any type of bag into the store. No employee should
be allowed to leave the building during working hours without management approval. I would tighten
the reins a little.
Page Four
List the five (5) most important causes that would have created this situation.
1. Lack of observation on the sales floor.
2. Sales people not following instructions correctly.
3. Lack of internal communication.
4. Somewhat of circus like atmosphere @ times.
Page Five
Do you know for sure who took any of those missing furs?
No, I do not know for sure.
6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
81
Did you take any of those missing furs?
No, I did not take any furs.
It doesn’t mean you’re right, and whatever you say is confidential, but, if you had to sus-
pect someone, who would you suspect, and why?
My suspicions take me in two directions. One would be James. He is in a desperate situation as far
as money. My other person is Gloria. She acts very suspicious.
Who would you least suspect, and why?
The person I would suspect the least is Ed. He is very concerned about his work and is always on
time. He doesn’t do drugs, not at least to my knowledge.
What do you think should happen to the person who took the furs when they are caught?
Definitely fired, and also prosecuted to the fullest extent.
Would you give them a second chance?
&n
bsp; Not on your life.
How do you think the investigation will turn out concerning you, and whether you took
any of those missing fur coats?
The invstigaiton will turn out nothing against me. I fact, it will prove that I had nothing to do with
the missing furs.
Would there be any reason evidence would turn up indicating you took any of those
missing fur coats?
There would be no reason evidence would turn up I took any of those missing furs.
Do you think those missing furs were stolen, or misplaced?
I think stolen only because we looked in every nook & cranny.
Page Six – After Interview-Interview:
How do you feel now that you have completed this questionnaire?
I feel sad that we had to have an investigation but if it solves the problem it was worth it.
Should we believe your answers concerning whether you took any of those fur coats?
Yes, I have nothing to hide.
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6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
If yes, give one reason why.
Yes, because as long as this business is in business and I have a future it will God willing be mine to run.
What would you say if the investigation proved you took a missing fur?
I would say it was a bad investigation.
What were your emotions while filling out this questionnaire? How did you feel?
I was concerned with finding a solution. I felt that it is terrible we had to come to this.
Were you afraid?
No, not at all.
If you were asked to pay for missing furs, how much would you be willing to pay?
I wouldn’t pay anything.
Would you like to change any of the information you provided?
No, I would not like to change any of the information I provided.
Suspect 3:
Page One: Instructions
Page Two:
We have reached the conclusion that furs were stolen from your company. Please write
in detail what you know about this and how you would explain it.
Miscount
In and Out
Misplaced
I can see missing one day and find the next.
Page Three
If you were going to conduct this investigation how would you do it?
More attention downstairs. People watching door more carefully.
Page Four
List the five (5) most important causes that would have created this situation.
Watching door. Check for alarms. Check in and out. The same things I said before.
Page Five
Do you know for sure who took any of those missing furs?
6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
83
No.
Did you take any of those missing furs?
(Ye) No of course no. I’m sorry.
It doesn’t mean you’re right, and whatever you say is confidential, but, if you had to sus-
pect someone, who would you suspect, and why?
No one.
Who would you least suspect, and why?
Everybody the same.
What do you think should happen to the person who took the furs when they are caught?
The bosses job.
Would you give them a second chance?
The bosses job.
How do you think the investigation will turn out concerning you, and whether you took
any of those missing fur coats?
Make me sad that’s all.
Would there be any reason evidence would turn up indicating you took any of those
missing fur coats?
I don’t think so.
Do you think those missing furs were stolen, or misplaced?
Misplaced and maybe some stolen by customers.
Page Six – After Interview-Interview:
How do you feel now that you have completed this questionnaire?
I feel sad. I feel very upset.
Should we believe your answers concerning whether you took any of those fur coats?
It depends on you. It’s your opinion.
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6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
If yes, give one reason why.
Because this is my answer.
What would you say if the investigation proved you took a missing fur?
No reason to believe this.
What were your emotions while filling out this questionnaire? How did you feel?
I feel angry.
Were you afraid?
No.
If you were asked to pay for missing furs, how much would you be willing to pay?
How can I pay for something that is not my concern?
Would you like to change any of the information you provided?
No.
Suspect 4:
Page One: Instructions
Page Two:
We have reached the conclusion that furs were stolen from your company. Please write
in detail what you know about this and how you would explain it.
Manager ask to look in vault for missing coats. And they are concern for theyer machindies.
Page Three
If you were going to conduct this investigation how would you do it?
1. Check with manufacturer.
2. Check at shipping.
3. Then ask everyone.
Page Four
List the five (5) most important causes that would have created this situation.
1. Not counting coats coming.
2. Not counting coats going out.
3. Check paperwork coming.
4. Check paperwork going out.
5. Check inventory I and out from New York, new coats.
6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
85
Page Five
Do you know for sure who took any of those missing furs?
No.
Did you take any of those missing furs?
No.
It doesn’t mean you’re right, and whatever you say is confidential, but, if you had to sus-
pect someone, who would you suspect, and why?
Kathy from New York. A gut feeling.
Who would you least suspect, and why?
The new manager. I have a good feeling about him.
What do you think should happen to the person who took the furs when they are caught?
Ask why they did it.
Would you give them a second chance?
No.
How do you think the investigation will turn out concerning you, and whether you took
any of those missing fur coats?
Never in my life. If I need something I just ask for it. This is like a family here, which is hard to
find elsewhere.
Would there be any reason evidence would turn up indicating you took any of those
missing fur coats?
No, not a concern in my part.
Do you think those missing furs were stolen, or misplaced?
Maybe misplaced, maybe stolen
Page Six – After Interview-Interview:
How do you feel now that you have completed this questionnaire?
Fine. Hoppe someone find out soon so everything can be ok!
86
6. FORENSIC STATEMENT ANALYSIS
Should we believe your answers concerning whether you took any of those fur coats?
Yes.
If yes, give one reason why.
I’ve been here 6 ½ years.
What would you say if the investigation proved you took a missing fur?
It won’t, I told the truth. I did not do it.
What were your emotions while filling out this questionnaire? How did you feel?
I feel fine.
Were you afraid?
No.
If you were asked to pay for missing furs, how much would you be willing to pay?
/> No cause I never took the furs.
Would you like to change any of the information you provided?
No.
It was our professional opinion that Suspect 1 and 4 could be eliminated from the inves-
tigation. On page 6, both suspects answered, “Yes” to the question, “Should we believe
your answers concerning whether you took any of those fur coats? Suspect 1 then answered
the question, “If you were asked to pay for the missing furs, how much would you be will-
ing to pay?” with “I can’t answer that because I didn’t take them” “I didn’t take them” eliminates
this suspect from the investigation. Suspect 4 answers the same question with “No cause I
never took the furs.” This suspect also answers the question “What would you say if the
investigation proved you took a missing fur?” with “It won’t, I told the truth. I did not do
it.” “I did not do it” also would eliminate this suspect from the investigation.
Suspect 2 was also eliminated from the theft of furs, however it was believed that this
suspect had stolen from the company. The authors came to this decision based on the belief
that the shortest answer is the best answer and any deviation should be questioned. On
page 5, when asked, “Did you take any of those missing furs?” the shortest answer would
have been “No.” Instead, the suspect answered, “No, I did not take any furs.” He again uses
the phrase “any of those missing furs” to several other questions in the questionnaire. The
need for this extra verbiage indicated that he had taken something other than furs. During
interrogation he admitted stealing cash from the business.
SUMMARY
87
After reviewing Suspect 3’s SCAN Questionnaire it was concluded that she in
fact stole the missing furs, and that she would confess. On page 5, when asked, “Did
you take any of those missing furs?” she answered, “(Ye) No. Of course not. I’m sorry.”
Amazingly, she had begun to answer the question “YES!” She was not sorry for the mis-
take in answering the question on the questionnaire; she was sorry for what she did.
Hence, the conclusion she wanted to confess, which she did very quickly. Also, on page
5, notice that this suspect is the only one who suspects no one, vouches for everyone,
and refuses to answer the questions concerning what should happen to the person when
caught, and if they should get a second chance. All of these are tell tale signs of her
culpability.
As a result of the research, observations, and insights of the aforementioned statement
analysis pioneers, serious application of forensic statement assessment has proven to be a
Nathan J Gordon, William L Fleisher Page 13