Interviewing witnesses and suspects Cognitive interviews Big question

Interviewing witnesses and suspects Cognitive interviews

Big question: what are the best ways of interviewing witnesses and suspects?

Interviewing witnesses ‘Standard police interview’ - the methods used by police investigators without training. ‘Cognitive interview’ - a set of interview techniques based on psychological research, designed to increase the accuracy and detail given by witnesses. psychlotron. org. uk

Comparison of standard and cognitive interviews As a group: A routine for comparing: ● Generate facts ● Look for correspondences ● Fill in the gaps Individually: Write at least one similarity and one difference out in full. psychlotron. org. uk

Standard v. cognitive interviews Standard interview Cognitive interview Similar/ different? Aim Obtain accurate detail Similar Control Police set agenda & do most of the talking Witness is ‘handed control’ & does most of the talking Different Order of recall Decided by police - focus on specifics Decided by witness - free Different recall Style of interaction Frequent interruptions Minimal interruptions Different Aids to recall No specific strategies Cue reinstatement; ordering; perspective Different psychlotron. org. uk

Applying what we’ve learned Write a letter to the Chief Constable, explaining why her police force should adopt cognitive interviewing. You need to explain what CI is and how it differs from standard interviews. Present an argument for its adoption - backed up with evidence. Be honest about drawbacks but argue them out. NB: it’s a formal letter, and the CC doesn’t necessarily have a background in Psychology. psychlotron. org. uk

Preparation Reading and note-making - ethical interviewing (see Google Classroom). psychlotron. org. uk