Mastering the Art of Interviewing Adult Suspects: Key Insights from Our Recent Webinar

We recently held a highly engaging webinar titled “Interviewing Adult Suspects,” which focused on providing essential knowledge and considerations for professionals involved in interviewing suspects under caution. The webinar was designed to equip participants with the tools, strategies, and understanding necessary to conduct interviews that are effective, ethical, and legally sound.

Aim and Objectives of the Webinar

The primary aim of the session was to raise awareness about the complexities involved in interviewing suspects under caution, emphasising the legal, ethical, and practical considerations that must be balanced throughout the process. The session provided a overview of the critical elements that investigators need to be aware of to ensure that the interview is conducted fairly and within the bounds of the law.

By the end of the webinar, delegates were able to:

• Determine the purpose of an interview with a suspect.
• Understand the significance of pre-interview disclosure.
• Appreciate the PEACE model of interviewing, which offers a structured approach to conducting interviews.
• Identify different types of questioning techniques and when to use them.
• Recognise the importance of special warnings and their implications.
• Consider appropriate actions when managing a “no comment” interview

Understanding the PEACE Model of Interviewing

A central focus of the webinar was the PEACE model, a well-established framework used for interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims. The PEACE model stands for:

• Planning and Preparation: Ensuring that the interview is well-prepared, with clear objectives and necessary materials ready in advance.
• Engage and Explain: Building rapport with the suspect while clearly explaining the interview’s purpose and process.
• Account, Clarify, and Challenge: Gathering the suspect’s account of events, clarifying any inconsistencies, and challenging discrepancies in a non-confrontational manner.
• Closure: Concluding the interview appropriately, summarising key points, and explaining the next steps.
• Evaluation: Assessing the interview’s effectiveness, reflecting on the information obtained, and determining any follow-up actions needed.

This structured approach is designed to promote ethical, transparent, and effective interviewing practices. It minimises the risk of coercion and maximises the opportunity for the suspect to provide a full and accurate account of their involvement in the matter under investigation.

Legal Framework: Pre-Interview Disclosure and Significant Statements

The webinar also delved into the legal framework governing suspect interviews, particularly focusing on the role of pre-interview disclosure and significant statements. Pre-interview disclosure involves a meeting between the investigator and the suspect’s legal advisor before the formal interview begins. The primary purpose of this meeting is to provide the legal advisor with sufficient material about the investigation to help them advise their client effectively.

Under PACE Code C 11.1A, investigators are not required to disclose all material relevant to the investigation. The decision to disclose specific information is a tactical one and must be carefully considered. Investigators should weigh whether such disclosure will improve the effectiveness of the interview and enable the suspect to provide an accurate and complete account. However, they may withhold any material that could potentially prejudice further inquiries or a broader investigation.

The session also covered the handling of “significant statements,” defined in PACE Code C as “one which appears capable of being used in evidence against the suspect, in particular, a direct admission of guilt.” It is crucial for investigators to put these significant statements to the suspect at the commencement of the interview, following the administration of the caution. This step ensures that the suspect is fully aware of any admissions or incriminating evidence against them, maintaining transparency and fairness in the interview process.

Types of Questioning Techniques

A key component of effective interviewing is understanding and applying the appropriate types of questioning techniques. The webinar highlighted the importance of using open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses and closed questions to obtain specific information. Delegates were also trained to recognise when to use probing questions to explore inconsistencies or gather more details.

The ability to select the right questioning technique is vital to obtaining truthful and comprehensive accounts from suspects. The session provided practical examples and scenarios to illustrate how different types of questions can influence the interview’s outcome and the quality of the information gathered.

Special Warnings and “No Comment” Interviews

The webinar addressed the issue of special warnings and their implications during suspect interviews. Special warnings are formal notifications given to suspects during an interview, informing them of the consequences of failing to account for certain matters when questioned. These warnings are essential tools to ensure that suspects understand their rights and the potential implications of their silence or refusal to answer questions.

Additionally, the session covered the challenges associated with “no comment” interviews, where a suspect chooses not to respond to questions. Participants were guided on how to handle such situations effectively, emphasising the need for patience, professionalism, and adherence to legal protocols. It is essential to document any refusal to answer questions accurately, as this could impact the case’s progression and the suspect’s legal standing.

Exploring Bias in Interviewing

Another significant topic discussed during the webinar was the influence of bias in interviews. Bias can manifest in many ways, including cultural, cognitive, and confirmation biases, which may affect the interviewer’s perceptions and actions. The session underscored the importance of being aware of these biases and actively working to mitigate them.

Delegates learned techniques for reducing bias, such as remaining objective, avoiding assumptions, and focusing on the evidence rather than preconceived notions. These practices help ensure that interviews are conducted fairly, with the goal of uncovering the truth rather than confirming an existing belief or theory.

Overall, the webinar provided a comprehensive exploration of the strategies, techniques, and legal considerations involved in interviewing adult suspects. By covering topics such as the PEACE model, pre-interview disclosure, questioning techniques, and managing bias, the session equipped delegates with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct interviews effectively and ethically.

Participants left the webinar with an understanding of the complexities involved in interviewing suspects under caution and a renewed confidence in their ability to navigate these challenges.

We look forward to hosting more webinars in the future, continuing to support professionals in mastering the art of enforcement.

There is a lot more that can be covered. To read some testimonials from attendees of our webinar see our slide below;