Investigative Interviewing in the Nordic Region (From International Developments in Investigative Interviewing, P 39-65, 2009, Tom Williamson, Becky Milne, and Stephen P. Savage, eds. - See NCJ-228326)

• NCJ Number: 228329
• Author(s): Ivar A. Fahsing; Asbjorn Rachlew
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 27 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter describes regional trends and national differences within investigative interviewing in the Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) focusing only on general police interviews (excluding child interviews).

Abstract

Basic police training in the Nordic region lasts 3 years. Criminal law procedures and fundamental investigation techniques are taught as part of the basic training in all of the countries; however, there are no additional training requirements for police detectives. All of the national police training institutions in the region offer various voluntary specialist detective training courses, however. Traditionally, little training time has focused on investigative interviewing. All of the Nordic countries, except Finland, however, have developed or are about to develop designated training courses in investigative interviewing. These training courses have been strongly influenced by the British PEACE model and the body of research within the field of investigative interviewing, including the cognitive interview. Based on data obtained through questionnaires and semistructured interviews with persons familiar with police interviewing developments in each country, this chapter examines significant differences among the Nordic countries concerning the methodological and ethical foundations of suspect interviewing. The analyses suggest that the extent, speed, and depth of the development of the reforms in suspect interviewing techniques vary among the Nordic countries based on the motivation and capacity of the personnel involved and the number and size of judicial scandals in the country. Norway apparently has adopted most of the concepts of the United Kingdom, while other Nordic countries, such as Iceland, are about to start a similar process. None of the Nordic countries has yet developed an official, standardized code of conduct for investigative interviewing. Attention to updated research is needed, along with a more widespread use of electronic documentation tools recommended by researchers and the European Parliament. 5 notes and 47 references