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Return to Training Schedule Level I – Investigative Interviewing Techniques
| Location: | TBA - Buffalo, NY, Venue To Be Determined, Buffalo, NY |
| Dates: | May 21, 2025 – May 22, 2025 |
| Times: | Day 1: 8 AM – 4:30 PM, Day 2: 8 AM – 5 PM |
The Level I – WZ Seminar on Investigative Interviewing Techniques is designed for organizations that desire to use a non-confrontational approach to resolve cases and obtain actionable intelligence. Seminar attendees will learn how to conduct interviews that lead to obtaining information from all parties involved while minimizing liability and maintaining the morale of the organization.
Seminar attendees will learn the importance of rapport in investigative interviews and how to apply these tools in difficult conversations. Instruction includes a comprehensive overview of a variety of non-confrontational interviewing techniques to obtain actionable information from witnesses, suspects, and victims.
This program incorporates proven successful techniques in the field to provide attendees with practical, research-based concepts to tackle any investigation. In addition, the multiple strategies taught offer the seminar participant a wide flexibility of approaches permitting them to alter strategies depending on the level of evidence, subject considerations, and type of interview.
David Thompson, CFI
David Thompson, CFI, is a Partner and President of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) as well as an active instructor for the organization. He is responsible for the company’s strategic vision and oversees the business’s day-to-day operations. Thompson also leads the evolution of interview and interrogation curriculum development to provide research-based investigative tools to practitioners while driving change in the industry.
In his experience as a practitioner, along with prior service as WZ’s VP of Operations and Director of Investigations, David has had the opportunity to manage a variety of cases while conducting interviews and consulting on investigations ranging from theft and fraud to sexual harassment and homicide. David has created and delivered customized training programs internationally, conducted live broadcasts of training, and presented keynote presentations at numerous events. He is also an active member of the International Association of Interviews (IAI) and has contributed blogs, video tips, and published several articles to support the continuing education of its members.
David is a highly requested speaker who has presented customized training sessions to clients in both the private and public sectors. David has presented at public sector training sessions including multiple Organized Crime Associations, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, New York State Office of Attorney Generals, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Chicago Police Department, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, and multiple other local, state and federal agencies. David has also delivered domestically and internationally seminars for multiple Fortune 500 companies. He has presented at conferences hosted by the National Retail Federation, International Investigative Interviewing Research Group, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, multiple human resources associations, employment law firms, and academic institutions.
David has played an integral role in the ongoing evolution of content and innovative teaching methods. Incorporating both practitioner experience and research-based ideology, he has led the creation of numerous customized curriculums, including a major program for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, serving as the Deputy Program Manager.
He has a passion for leading reform movements in the field of investigative interviewing to incorporate academic research into practical application. Through this dedication, David has collaborated with members of the academic community, advocacy groups, and other relevant partners to further the enhancement of interview and interrogation protocols throughout the U.S. In addition, he has contributed expert opinions for a variety of cases and was cited by the Federal Court of Appeals for his involvement on the topic of interview and interrogation. He has also provided consults on legislative propositions and served as a subject matter expert for reform efforts and case evaluations.
David attended Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and continued his education at Arizona State University, earning a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. David was a scholarship cadet of the Army ROTC program and a member of the New York State Army National Guard. He also served his community as a volunteer coach for Special Olympics.
He takes pride in delivering training, providing guidance, and being an approachable resource for all clients. His engaging delivery of a presentation will have a lasting effect on the attendees’ ability to apply the content in a practical setting.
Location: TBA - Buffalo, NY, Venue To Be Determined, Buffalo, NY
