What is defined as a friendly relationship that builds mutual understanding and trust?

The concept of rapport is essential in the context of interviews and interrogations as it refers to a friendly relationship that fosters mutual understanding and trust between the interviewer and the subject. Establishing rapport is crucial because it can significantly enhance communication, making the subject feel more comfortable and willing to share information. When rapport is built, the subject may be more open and cooperative, which can lead to more productive discussions and ultimately more accurate information gathering.

In many investigative settings, a strong rapport is instrumental in creating a non-threatening environment, which can encourage honesty and clarity in responses. This relationship is built through strategies such as active listening, showing empathy, and maintaining professionalism. However, these individual skills do not encapsulate the full essence of rapport. Instead, rapport is the culmination of these efforts that results in a connection characterized by trust and mutual respect.