Held from 12th to 14th December 2023 at the UNODC in Vienna, Austria, the Regional Workshop on Investigative Interviewing aimed to discuss and develop strategies for promoting more human rights compliant and evidence-based practices on investigative interviewing. The recommendations made during the workshop are pivotal in fostering positive change within policing and criminal justice.
NCHR and UNODC presented their work in the area of human rights compliant policing, including the jointly developed self-paced eLearning on investigative interviewing. The workshop had a guest appearance from police superintendent and NCHR guest researcher, Dr. Asbjørn Rachlew, to answer substantive questions that arose during the discussions.
Most importantly, representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine shared their experiences, interviewing practices and challenges resulting in a number of recommendations to advance investigative interviewing in the region.
Awareness building through mandatory annual national training programs
Creating awareness among criminal justice policy-makers and professionals was emphasized as a critical step towards promoting broader acceptance and implementation of investigative interview methodologies. Increased awareness will help bridge the gap between theory and practice, leading to improved investigative outcomes.
One of the key recommendations arising from the workshop was the inclusion of investigative interviewing modules within national training programs. It was proposed that at least 30 hours of training be provided to new recruits, accompanied by practical sessions.
To further enhance the quality of investigative interviews, participants recommended instituting mandatory annual training for police investigators and prosecutors.
Legal Framework and procedures
Participants stressed the importance of reviewing national legislation and procedures to allow for the recording of interviews and their use as admissible evidence in court. This recommendation serves to strengthen the transparency and credibility of the criminal justice system.
Psychosocial support, resources and cooperation is needed
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of cases involving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and domestic violence, participants called for the provision of psychosocial support to investigators and prosecutors working on such cases.
Additionally, investigative interviewing requires adequate resources, including equipment, facilities, and interpretation services when necessary. Participants emphasized the need for these resources to facilitate the implementation of effective investigative interviewing practices in individual jurisdictions.
UNODC and NCHR, as well as other partners, were urged to provide support to jurisdictions in the region that are not yet familiar with investigative interviewing. Sharing expertise, providing technical assistance, and offering training programs are crucial to ensure the successful implementation of this methodology.
