We’ve all been there — a situation where you need to dig a little deeper to uncover the truth. But how can you really tell what is fact and what is fiction?
Join us as we welcome detectives from Sauk County and Columbia County for an engaging and eye-opening session. They’ll share practical techniques for spotting deceptive behavior, interpreting non-verbal cues, and recognizing the subtle signals people often miss in everyday interactions. You’ll walk away with insights you can use both professionally and personally to better read situations and gain more insight.
Observations Beyond the Words: is a presentation designed to sharpen your investigative instincts and turn standard HR workplace investigations and interviews into high-level information gathering opportunity. This session moves past the paperwork and dives into the psychology of the interview room, treating every interaction as an opportunity to uncover a more accurate picture of the truth.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a structured, step-by-step investigation plan that identifies key objectives, required resources, and a logical sequence of interviews.
- Select appropriate environments for interviews that ensure privacy and minimize distractions.
- Apply rapport-building strategies, such as finding common ground and practicing empathy, to increase interviewee cooperation.
- Explain the employer’s role and the investigation process clearly to reduce subject anxiety.
- Construct open-ended and non-leading questions using terms like "describe," "explain," or "tell me about" to elicit detailed narratives.
- Identify common verbal and non-verbal indicators of stress, such as speech pattern changes or evasive language.
- Analyze whether observed behaviors, like lack of eye contact or fidgeting, stem from psychological discomfort or actual deception.
- Utilize silence and strategic pauses to encourage subjects to volunteer omitted information.
About the Speakers:
Kourtney Fleischhacker is a Detective with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, currently assigned to the Sensitive Crimes Unit, with a strong specialization in trauma-informed investigations and internet crimes against children (ICAC), serving as one of ICAC detectives in Columbia County. Kourtney is also the agency’s Professional Communications Instructor, equipping fellow officers with essential skills in effective and empathetic communication. Some additional credentials include being a Certified Crisis Negotiator, a Certified Forensic Interviewer for the state of Wisconsin, a member of the Columbia / Sauk Critical Incident Stress Debrief team, and a leader in trauma-informed investigations. With a commitment to protecting the vulnerable and advancing professional standards, Kourtney brings both compassion and precision to every case she handles. Kourtney is committed to elevating standards, fostering trust, and advocating for those who need it most.
Hannah Volz is a Detective with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, where she has served since 2013. She began her career as a Jail Deputy before advancing to Patrol Deputy in 2015 and earning promotion to Detective in 2023. Her investigative portfolio includes complex and sensitive crimes, and she serves on the Sauk County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Since 2015, Hannah has been a member of the agency’s Critical Incident Negotiations Team and currently serves as Team Leader. She has completed advanced training in interview, interrogation, and negotiation, including Levels I–III Negotiator certification and Forensic Interview Training through the State of Wisconsin. In addition to her investigative and operational leadership, Hannah serves as an instructor for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement and Jail Academies and as a Peer Support member within the department. She is recognized for her commitment to clear communication, professional development, and building strong, trusted relationships across the criminal justice community.
LUNCH OPTIONS:
- Cheeseburger - Our classic Monk burger topped with melted American cheese. Served with pickles, potato chippers and a cookie.
- Cranberry Mandarin Chicken Salad - Chopped Romaine lettuce topped with dried cranberries, onion rings, walnuts, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and grilled chicken with a side of cranberry citrus vinaigrette and a cookie.
- Club Wrap - A large flour tortilla stuffed with oven roasted turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and mayo. Served with potato chippers and a cookie.
- Black Bean Burger - A blend of veggies, black beans, brown rice, corn, red bell peppers and chilies on our gourmet bun with homemade potato chippers, pickles and a cookie.
