It’s difficult to be upset when you are snuggling up with a loving dog.  In this episode, Det. Bianca Becker from UCF describes her experiences working with K9 Luna, the department’s therapy dog. Luna helps victims of sexual assault feel more comfortable and relaxed, which in turn helps them open up to the Detectives. The presence of Luna also helps build rapport, trust and provide comfort for victims. This episode explores the wide range of crimes that Campus police handle, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion. Luna is also outsourced to other agencies in need of a therapy dog. The use of therapy dogs like Luna has been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma. Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews. Detective Bianca Becker discusses the impact of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews, specifically in cases of sexual assault. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed interviewing, allowing the interviewee to dictate the narrative, and providing a safe and comfortable environment. Luna, the therapy dog, plays a crucial role in creating a calming and supportive atmosphere for victims and witnesses. Luna's presence helps victims feel more comfortable, open up about their experiences, and build trust with law enforcement. The use of therapy dogs also extends to the department itself, providing emotional support for first responders and helping to alleviate secondary trauma. Detective Becker encourages other law enforcement agencies to consider implementing therapy dog programs and offers her expertise and resources to assist them.

Truths:

• Campus police handle a wide range of crimes, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion.

Dr. Emily Joseph, a social science researcher and user researcher for Xbox, discusses the impact of clear and not-so-clear communication on the elicitation of information. She highlights the importance of question phrasing, construct validity, and avoiding contamination of memory and responses. Emily emphasizes the need for open-ended questions, especially in investigative settings, to avoid bias and allow for accurate recall. She also explores the challenges of predicting future behavior and the significance of clear and concise questions in obtaining meaningful insights. Additionally, she addresses the misinterpretation of physical behavior and the influence of cultural and experiential factors. In this conversation, Dave and Emily discuss the importance of asking effective questions in various contexts, such as investigations, interviews, and surveys. They explore the impact of different types of questions, including open-ended and closed-ended questions, on the quality of responses. They also highlight the potential biases and limitations associated with certain question formats. The conversation emphasizes the need for interviewers to be aware of their own biases and create an environment where individuals feel comfortable providing honest feedback. Overall, the key takeaway is the significance of asking neutral and unbiased questions to elicit accurate and meaningful information.

Truths:

• Question phrasing and construct validity are crucial in obtaining accurate and meaningful information.

Does expensive wine taste better?  Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Is bitemark evidence reliable?

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews Dr. Jeff Kukucka, a psychologist specializing in using his expert, scientific approach to impacting the criminal justice system. They discuss topics such as forensic sciences, bias, and the impact of expectations on perception. They highlight the limitations and potential errors in visual forensic sciences, such as facial recognition and pattern matching disciplines. They also explore how biases and expectations can influence behavior and decision-making in investigations and interviews. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relying on relevant information and avoiding irrelevant distractions. In this conversation, Jeff Kukucka and Dave Thompson discuss the impact of bias in everyday life, including choosing the right cigar and how much to pay for your favorite wine. They highlight the importance of avoiding information overload and focusing on relevant evidence. They also discuss the need for clear communication and collaboration between investigators and forensic experts. The conversation touches on topics such as the influence of bias in decision-making, the role of cognitive biases in everyday life, and the challenges of addressing bias in the criminal justice system. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for standardized procedures, intervention to mitigate bias, and continuous improvement in forensic practices.

Truths:

• Forensic sciences encompass a range of disciplines, including biological, chemical, medical, and pattern matching disciplines.

Not your typical "salesperson" - this episode of Truth Be Told features McKenah Elizabeth, a full-time content creator, discusses sales, communication, and building rapport in this episode. She shares her journey from being an elementary education teacher to entering the sales industry. McKenah emphasizes the importance of communication and adaptability in sales, regardless of the product or service being sold. She provides insights on building rapport, asking open-ended questions, and genuinely listening to customers. The conversation also touches on the similarities between sales and recruiting, as well as the value of curiosity and deep conversations in building relationships. In this conversation, McKenah and Dave discuss the application of sales techniques in personal life, the importance of mentorship, evaluating success in sales conversations, and handling resistance from potential customers. They also touch on the challenges faced by women in sales and the power of belief in selling. McKenah shares her experience as an influencer and the importance of building relationships and promoting the benefits of products. 

Truths:

• Sales is more than just convincing someone to buy something; it involves effective communication and building rapport.

Lauren Brill, founder of The Unsealed, discusses her career path and how her sociology background has influenced her work. She shares her experiences working in sports broadcasting, including her time with the NBA and WNBA. Lauren emphasizes the importance of following your passion and being true to yourself in your career choices. She also talks about the challenges of conducting interviews and the genuine interactions she has had with athletes. Lauren expresses her admiration for female athletes and the need for continued support and recognition of their talents. Lauren Brill shares her journey of storytelling and creating a platform for people to share their stories through her company, The Unsealed. She emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the impact it can have on both the storyteller and the audience. The book, Unseal Your Superpowers, features letters from various individuals, including athletes, coaches, and wrongfully convicted individuals, sharing their personal experiences and inspiring others. The platform provides a safe space for people to share their stories and connect with others who have had similar experiences. The key takeaway is that whatever hurts you in life doesn't have to hold you back, and by sharing your story, you can inspire and empower others.

Truths:

• Follow your passion and be true to yourself in your career choices.

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Anna Papalia, author of Interviewology, about the art of interviewing. Anna shares her background in talent acquisition and her realization that there was a lack of research-backed tools to teach people how to interview. She developed the concept of interview styles, which include charmers, challengers, examiners, and harmonizers. Anna emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in interviews and how understanding your own interview style can help you adapt to different interviewers. She also discusses the scientific validation of Interviewology and the fear that many people have when it comes to job interviews. The episode concludes with a discussion on seeking feedback and the importance of authenticity in interviews. She also draws parallels between interviewing and dating, highlighting the need for self-awareness in both contexts. The conversation explores the use of scripts in interviews to mitigate bias and ensure structure. Anna emphasizes the importance of addressing failures and weaknesses honestly and using them as opportunities for growth. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of asking thoughtful questions as a job seeker and the universal truth that different interview styles can complement each other.

Truths:

• Self-awareness is crucial in interviews. Understanding your own interview style can help you adapt to different interviewers and improve your performance.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews former NFL player Don Beebe. The conversation focuses on communication, both internally and externally, and how it has played a significant role in Beebe's career and life. Beebe shares stories about his journey to the NFL, including a pro day experience that led to his pro career starting before he played a down in college football. He also discusses his first NFL catch and the pressure and anxiety that came with it. Throughout the conversation, Beebe emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, staying prepared, and maintaining a strong sense of identity and humility. Don Beebe discusses the importance of teamwork, character, and resilience in achieving success in sports and in life. He shares the story of the Buffalo Bills' historic comeback in the playoffs and how their never-give-up mentality and strong team culture played a crucial role. Beebe also reflects on his own experiences, including the iconic play where he chased down Leon Lett to prevent a touchdown. He emphasizes the power of faith, contentment, and internal reflection in fighting our battles. Beebe's discusses his youth development program, “House of Speed” and his message to parents in supporting their children while keeping perspective and focusing on character development.

• Seize opportunities and be prepared for them, as you never know when they will come.

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Mike Reddington, an expert in effective communication techniques. They discuss various topics related to communication, including teaching and mentoring, moving people from resistance to commitment, building credibility and trust, and minimizing internal distractions. They also explore the importance of understanding the other person's perspective, anticipating resistance in conversations, and creating a positive experience for others. The conversation highlights universal truths of conversation and provides valuable insights for improving communication skills. In this episode, Michael Reddington discusses the importance of disciplined listening and shares insights from his book 'Disciplined Listening'. He emphasizes the role of empathy in effective listening and provides practical tips for overcoming barriers to listening. Reddington also explains the four steps of disciplined listening and highlights the importance of applying this skill in various contexts.

Truths:

• Teaching and mentoring are important aspects of effective communication.

In this conversation, counterterrorism expert Mark Fallon discusses the evolution of interrogation techniques and the importance of building rapport in obtaining accurate and reliable information. Fallon provides insight from his experience in high-profile terrorism investigations including the USS Cole and World Trade Center bombings as well as interrogations at Guantanamo. He highlights the shift from confession-driven methodologies to relationship building techniques, emphasizing the role of empathy in high-pressure interrogations. Fallon also addresses the need for improved interview training in law enforcement and the recognition of inept practices that have led to miscarriages of justice. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of effective and ethical interrogation practices in obtaining actionable intelligence. This conversation explores the consequences of interrogational abuses, the opposition to coercive methods, the need for research in interrogation, the importance of depressurizing the interrogation environment, and the integration of science into practice.

Truths

• Building rapport and treating suspects with respect is essential in obtaining accurate and reliable information during interrogations.

Former Police Chief of Aurora, IL, Kristen Ziman, discusses her career in law enforcement and the importance of effective communication in crisis situations with host, Dave Thompson. She shares her experiences leading during a mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for preparation and open communication channels. Ziman emphasizes the significance of managing upwards and creating an environment where feedback is valued. She also discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of maintaining a high standard of performance. In this conversation, Kristen discusses the importance of effective communication and leadership during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd. She emphasizes the need for trust, autonomy, and open communication in law enforcement and community relationships. Ziman shares her experiences of dealing with high emotional states and the challenges of public communication as a leader. She also highlights the importance of creating a culture that encourages dissent and accountability, as well as destigmatizing mental health in law enforcement. Ultimately, Ziman encourages individuals to tap into the power of optimism and take control of their own future.

Truths:

• Effective communication is crucial in crisis situations, and leaders must prioritize internal communication with their team before addressing external stakeholders.