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Return to Training Schedule Level II – Practical Application Workshop
| Location: | TBA - Seattle, WA, Venue To Be Determined, Seattle, WA |
| Dates: | May 30, 2025 |
| Times: | 8 AM – 4:30 PM |
The Practical Applications Workshop is designed for those who have completed the WZ Level I – Investigative Interviewing Techniques or WZ Level I – Workplace Investigative Interviewing Strategies within the last two (2) years to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired to real-world practical problems. It is comprised of a single, complex continuing case scenario. Participants will conduct the exercise investigation from the initial complaint to its full conclusion and disposition.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Evaluate a complex real-world misconduct complaint from a fictitious business operation based on an actual case and company. Use this analysis to create an interview strategy for the parties involved in the allegation and choose the appropriate interview method.
- Use rapport-based interpersonal communications skills to develop an interview approach that is conversational in nature and non-accusatory. Then share ideas and notions about the power of various rapport options.
- Create properly structured, effective empathy statements that preserve intent, project empathy, and avoid personalization.
- Plan and conduct a challenging interview using the Participatory Interview Method. Demonstrate the ability to use a strategic approach to interviewing, meet resistance effectively and use evidence in a logical, non-confrontational manner.
- Create powerful introductory statements and assessment questions primarily through the application of the Wicklander-Zulawski Interview Method.
- Draft an investigation summary providing all required information for use by organization decision-makers.
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 - Seattle, WA, Venue To Be Determined, Seattle, WA
