LEARNING OUTCOMES
By using this tool you will be able to:
explain the benefits of
applying an investigative
interviewing technique
describe the different
stages in the investigative
interviewing model
use the model to develop
policies, practice and training
on investigative interviewing
apply the approach
directly during
interviews
The self-assessment checklist at the end will help to test and refresh your knowledge of the investigative
interviewing model described in this tool.
Key objective of police interviews
The objective of interviews by police is to elicit accurate, reliable and
actionable information. It is NOT to confirm what the officer thinks might have
happened, nor to coerce the suspect into providing information or to confess.
Investigative interviewing is a safeguard against false confessions and errors of
justice. This method directs officers into conducting interviews in a systematic
manner with an open-mind, preventing common pitfalls associated with relying
on premature conclusions. Equally important, investigative interviewing assists
communication and the flow of information and consequently the detection
of crime. From a human rights perspective, investigative interviewing assists
officers to operationalise the presumption of innocence.
“
We need change in
the police officer’s
mind to arrive at the
truth; you cannot use
torture or abuse as it is
counter‑productive.”
Mr. Edson Luis Baldan,
Police Officer
– Sao Paolo Police Academy,
Brazil (New York 9 June 2017)
INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWING
• Is informed by 30 years
of research conducted in
collaboration with practitioners
• Is used by a growing number of
police forces around the world,
but is also relevant for security
or intelligence personnel
To ensure the highest standards
are upheld, rules and practices
governing interrogation and
interview procedures must
be systematically reviewed
(article 11, UNCAT).
• Is practical, ethical and
proven to be effective
• Provides more reliable information
and actionable intelligence
• Does not use manipulation,
coercion or torture
• Secures evidence and
prevents errors of justice
• Mitigates confirmation
bias and tunnel vision
• Enhances the relationship and trust
between police and citizens, the rule
of law and hence State legitimacy
“
The questioning of criminal suspects is a specialist task which calls
for specific training if it is to be performed in a satisfactory manner.”
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (CPT) 12th General Report, para. 34, 2002.
CTI Training Tools 1/2017: Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Cases
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