The use of self-disclosure to build rapport with mock covert human intelligence sources (CHIS)

Abstract

The use of covert human intelligence sources for the protection of national security is an important but under-researched area. In light of increased globalisation, and technological developments, examining covert intelligence gathering online may have operational relevance. This study examined the use of similarities in self-disclosure to develop rapport with mock covert human intelligence sources online. A sample of 66 participants were asked to assume the role of a CHIS, listen to an audio recording of a meeting of the criminal network they are part of, and strike a balance between being forthcoming to their handler while at the same time not revealing all information they possessed. They were then interviewed online by a mock handler who opened the conversation in one of three ways: self-disclosing information that highlighted similarities between herself and the CHIS, selfdisclosing information that highlighted dissimilarities, or control (no disclosure). Participants completed a follow-up rapport questionnaire based on their interaction with the handler. The study found that mock sources rated rapport higher in the similarities condition in comparison with other conditions; however, it did not translate into a significant difference in the intelligence reported. The findings of this research and its policy and practice implications are discussed.

Keeping our wits about us: introducing a bespoke informant interview model for covert human intelligence source (CHIS) interactions

“…Nunan et al (2020d) conducted a field study of handlers and informants examining the relationship between rapport and information, and whilst they found a direct relationship between rapport and intelligence yield there are a number of other potentially confounding variables (such as length of relationship, nature of tasking, value of intelligence) that were unreported and which might correlate to both rapport and information. Indeed, Marin and Gabbert (2022) found that handlers were able to increase rapport with mock-informants through the use of self-disclosure, but this did not translate into greater intelligence yield; it is perhaps noteworthy that in their study, Marin and Gabbert controlled for cooperation by informing participants to strike a balance between being forthcoming whilst remaining loyal to their criminal associates. As such, the influence of rapport on the amount of information gathered from an informant is unclear and remains an understudied area of research.…”

“…Therefore, the RWITS-US model was designed to increase relational rapport between handler and informant. The welfare phase was designed to provide the informant with a sense of autonomy, whilst presenting the handler with an opportunity to demonstrate concern through the use of interpersonal skills, such as active listening and appropriate self-disclosures (Hargie & Dickson, 2004;Marin & Gabbert, 2022). The handlers concern for the informants welfare was re-iterated during the security phase at the close of the interview.…”

“…Handlers should therefore begin an informant interview with a welfare enquiry. This will provide handlers with an opportunity to employ a number of interpersonal skills, including active listening (Hargie & Dickson, 2004) and, where appropriate, personal self-disclosures (Hargie & Dickson, 2004;Marin & Gabbert, 2022) thereby increasing relational rapport. At a more practical level, a welfare enquiry at the outset will ensure that there are no apparent obstacles to progressing the interview.…”

Why Rapport Seems Challenging to Define and What to do About the Challenge

“…Crough et al (2022) noted that their definition precisely explicated the nature of rapport in investigative interviewing. Others mentioned that their definition is synonymous with rapport (Marin & Gabbert, 2022); is considered to be rapport (Foster et al, 2022); and the typical or a complete description of rapport.…”