Matt Episcopo- TEDx, International Speaker, Leadership Coach, Albany, NY (2026)

07/11/2026

Just wrapped up the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation (WPFF) 2026 Evidence-Based Policing Symposium.

One of the highlights was the powerful keynote delivered by and .denise

Their story of resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma—and the systemic failures that followed—left a profound impact on everyone in the room.

In 2015, Denise was kidnapped from their home in Vallejo, California, in a harrowing home invasion. Instead of being supported as victims, they were disbelieved by law enforcement, subjected to intense scrutiny, and publicly labeled as staging a hoax (infamously dubbed the “real-life Gone Girl” case).

Their ordeal, now documented in the Netflix series American Nightmare and their book Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors, highlights the critical need for better practices in investigations.

What struck me most was how their experience directly fueled advancements in science-based interviewing—a more ethical, effective, and truth-seeking approach to questioning victims and witnesses that prioritizes evidence over presumption.

Aaron’s grueling interrogation became a teaching tool, and together, they’ve partnered with law enforcement leaders to retrain officers worldwide, helping prevent future miscarriages of justice and ensuring victims are truly heard and believed.

Their keynote wasn’t just a recounting of survival—it was a call to action for all of us in the field to lead with empathy, rigor, and a commitment to science-driven methods.

I owe so much of my passion for science-based interviewing to their courage and advocacy. I’m deeply grateful for their friendship and the opportunity to learn from them in person.

Thank you, Aaron and Denise, for turning pain into purpose and for continuing to make law enforcement better for everyone. Looking forward to carrying these insights forward!

WichitaPFF

07/06/2026

🌟 Just wrapped up an outstanding Science-Based Interviewing class hosted by the Cape Elizabeth Police Department in Cape Elizabeth, Maine!

Thank you to the entire department for the incredible hospitality.

This wasn’t just another training — it was a deep dive into evidence-based techniques that outperform traditional methods still widely taught today.

Key takeaways that resonated strongly:
• Preparation & structured delivery beat unstructured “winging it” every time

• ORBIT (Observing Rapport-Based Interpersonal Techniques) adapts your communication style in real time to build trust and cooperation — far more effective than rigid or confrontational approaches

• Strategic Use of Evidence reveals inconsistencies more effectively and encourages fuller disclosure — unlike accusatory “gotcha” tactics that often shut people down

• Cognitive Interviewing dramatically improves memory recall and detail — without contamination or leading questions

• Why it matters: These science-backed approaches reduce bias, increase reliable information yield, minimize false statements, and produce superior outcomes in investigations and high-stakes interviews.

The data is clear — rapport and strategy win over pressure. ✨📊

After class, one of the officers treated my wife Brenda and me to a special tour — including climbing to the top of Portland Head Light, the lighthouse where we got married! ❤️ What an unforgettable full-circle moment.

I’m already excited to return to Maine next year.

If your department, team, or organization wants to move beyond outdated interviewing practices, let’s talk! Message me or comment below to host a Science-Based Interviewing workshop. 👇

InterviewSkills

06/22/2026

I partnered with MCTFT (Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training) and North Florida HIDTA to deliver a high-impact science-based interviewing class.

The room was packed with engaged officers who walked away with powerful, practical takeaways they can use immediately. Feedback has been fantastic! 🔥

We dove deep into proven, research-backed techniques including:

• ORBIT (Observing Rapport-Based Interpersonal Techniques) – Building genuine trust and rapport for more reliable information

• Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) – Smart timing and disclosure of evidence to reveal truth through statement inconsistencies

• Evidence Framing & the Framing Matrix – Strategic ways to present facts that boost information gain while protecting statement integrity

These science-based methods matter because they deliver superior results: higher cooperation, more accurate intelligence, stronger cases, and fewer false confessions.

In high-stakes investigations, rapport-driven, evidence-based interviewing simply works better. 💡

Huge thanks to MCTFT, North Florida HIDTA, and every officer who attended!

If you’re in law enforcement or investigations and want to upgrade your interviewing skills with proven techniques, reach out — happy to connect.

05/14/2026

Just delivered the Keynote Workshop at the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) 2026 Trade Show & Convention — celebrating their 40th Anniversary in Syracuse! 🎉

What an honor to be part of this milestone event at The Oncenter.

I presented “Mastering Tactical Listening for Effective Leadership and Communication” — a hands-on session drawing from my Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) techniques as a Retired Captain and TEDx Speaker.

The convenience store leaders brought great energy! Attendees engaged fully in the interactive elements, walked away with practical tools they can apply immediately — from building stronger teams and resolving customer issues to fostering trust and driving better results in the fast-paced retail environment.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it was rewarding to see so many people excited about implementing tactical listening in their stores.

Huge thanks to the NYACS team and all the attendees for making it a memorable celebration of 40 years of supporting New York’s convenience stores.

Grateful for the opportunity to contribute and connect with such a dedicated group of professionals.

Here’s to stronger leadership, better communication, and continued success for the industry!

KeynoteSpeaker SyracuseNY

05/13/2026

Excited to share that I recently had the pleasure of teaching a Science-Based Interviewing class in partnership with the Lower Saucon Police Department in Pennsylvania! 🚀

The officers and attendees were highly engaged, asked excellent questions, and fully embraced the learning process. It was rewarding to see the enthusiasm for techniques grounded in psychology and evidence-based practices. 👏

Why Science-Based Interviewing matters:

• It dramatically improves the quality and reliability of information obtained from witnesses, victims, and suspects

• Draws on cognitive interviewing techniques and psychological research to enhance memory recall while minimizing contamination

• Reduces the risk of false confessions and mistaken identifications

• Builds stronger cases through more accurate, detailed, and court-defensible statements

• Applicable far beyond law enforcement — valuable skills for investigators, HR professionals, attorneys, and anyone who conducts high-stakes interviews

I’m proud to partner with forward-thinking agencies like Lower Saucon PD that are committed to training that prioritizes truth-seeking and best practices. 💡

Looking forward to returning soon for more sessions! 🔄

If you’re interested in bringing science-based interviewing training to your department, organization, or team, feel free to reach out — happy to discuss how we can tailor a program for your needs.

04/15/2026

Thrilled to have just completed a high-impact Science-Based Interviewing training in Altoona, Wisconsin! 📍🧪

In partnership with MCTFT (Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training) and HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), we brought together over 40 officers from agencies across the region for two days of cutting-edge, research-backed training. 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

Officers learned modern, evidence-based techniques that are transforming how we gather information:

• Building genuine rapport to encourage complete and truthful accounts

• Cognitive interviewing methods to elicit richer, more accurate details

• Ethical credibility assessment grounded in science — not outdated myths

• Strategic use of evidence while protecting the integrity of every statement

Why does this matter? In counterdrug investigations, every interview can make the difference between a strong case and a missed opportunity.

These science-based skills help us obtain reliable information faster, reduce the risk of false confessions, strengthen prosecutions, and — most importantly — deliver real justice while keeping communities safer. 💪🔍

Huge thanks to every officer who showed up ready to learn and to MCTFT & HIDTA for making this critical training possible.

Proud to see law enforcement embracing smarter, more effective tools for the job.

Counterdrug ProfessionalDevelopment PublicSafety

04/02/2026

🚀 Just wrapped up two fantastic classes at the 34th Annual Kansas Narcotics Officers Association (KNOA) Training Conference in Wichita! 🎉

What an honor to deliver “Science Based Interview Techniques for Narcotics Officers” through my partnership with the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training (MCTFT) to such a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals.

The energy was incredible, and the feedback was outstanding — thank you to everyone who attended and participated!

Attendees walked away with practical, science-based interviewing skills grounded in the latest research from psychology and cognitive science.

We focused on building rapport, using active listening, conducting effective interviews, strategically presenting evidence, and gathering accurate, reliable information — all while staying ethical and reducing the risk of false confessions.

These techniques help investigators get to the truth faster and strengthen cases in narcotics enforcement and beyond. 🔍💡

The response was so positive that I’ve been invited back and have already booked several more classes across Kansas!

I’m excited to keep spreading the word about modern, evidence-based interviewing that moves beyond outdated methods and delivers real results for law enforcement.

Huge thanks to the KNOA team for putting on such a strong conference💥

If you’re in law enforcement and want to level up your interviewing game with proven, science-backed techniques, let’s connect!

I’d love to bring this training to your agency or team.

(Note: To protect the identities of the attendees I have not included photos from my classes because they are working High Level narcotics cases)

PoliceTraining ProfessionalDevelopment MCTFT

03/25/2026

🚀 Just wrapped my Science-Based Interviewing Techniques class at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy!

Officers & Detectives from RI State Police, Brown University PD, Lincoln PD, RI Dept. of Corrections, Warwick PD, Cranston PD, Narragansett PD, and Cumberland PD were in attendance.

We were joined by a standout special guest — Dr. Melissa Rosano! A leading researcher in science-based interviewing methods and former member of the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG), her expertise brought next-level insight and credibility to the room. What an honor! 👏

These professionals learned cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques grounded in cognitive psychology — improving recall, building real rapport, and reducing bias for more reliable statements.

The payoff? Stronger cases, fewer errors, greater public trust, and safer Rhode Island communities. 🔍

Huge thanks to the Academy for hosting, every attendee for their engagement, and Dr. Rosano for elevating the training! Proud to bring science that drives real justice.

RhodeIsland

02/02/2026

Grateful to have just taught my science-based interviewing class hosted by the Manlius Police Department, New York 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

Patrol officers and investigators from several neighboring agencies were in the room—many of them long-time partners committed to professional, evidence-based policing.

Chief Jason Cassalia addressed the attendees to reinforce the message.

Key takeaways from the class included:
🧠 Building rapport without sacrificing legality or ethics
🎯 Asking better, evidence-driven questions
📋 Structuring interviews to improve accuracy and detail
⚖️ Reducing risk while strengthening cases that stand up in court
🤝 Applying these skills in both patrol encounters and investigations

When agencies invest in science-based interviewing, the benefits extend far beyond the interview room—stronger investigations, fairer processes, and greater community trust.

If your agency is looking to elevate interviewing practices with proven, research-backed methods, I’m always happy to continue the conversation.

CommunityTrust

12/08/2025

Just Wrapped Up an Incredible 4-Day ORBIT Advanced Rapport Interviewing Course in Alliston, ON – Elevating Investigative Skills Across Canada! 🇨🇦

If you’ve ever wondered why some interviews lead to breakthroughs while others hit a wall, let me introduce you to Orbit Interviewing (Observing Rapport-Based Interpersonal Techniques).

This isn’t just another interviewing course.

This is the proven, evidence-based framework that’s replacing coercion worldwide.

Attendees walked away armed with a ton of information. Here are two absolute game-changers:

🧠 HEEAAR Principles
Honesty • Empathy • Evocation • Adaptation • Autonomy • Reflection

→ Turns even the most resistant subjects cooperative — fast, ethically, and court-defendable.

⚡ The Interpersonal Behavior Wheel

Instantly read dominance, submission, hostility, or cooperation — then flexibly shift your stance to turn interviews into dynamic dialogues, not battles.

Delivered by the actual architects:
Dr. Laurence Alison MBE, Dr. Emily Alison, Dr. Frances Surmon-Böhr, and assisted by living legend Jim Smyth (retired OPP Superintendent — the man who broke Russell Williams, Tori Stafford & Rafferty cases with pure rapport).

I was there as an instructor-in-training, soaking up every second so I could bring the most current ORBIT methods straight to my classes.

A huge thank you to the ORBIT team, Jim and Vern Pierson for your continued support along my science-based interviewing journey.

Bottom line: Pressure-based tactics are obsolete.

Rapport is the present and the future.

Who’s already using HEEAAR or the Wheel in the field?

Drop your biggest win below ⬇️

RapportBased LawEnforcementTraining CanadianPolice

Matt Episcopo- TEDx, International Speaker, Leadership Coach

07/11/2026

07/06/2026

06/22/2026

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

04/15/2026

04/02/2026

03/25/2026

02/02/2026

12/08/2025

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