NCJ Number
214231
Editor(s)
Tom Williamson
Date Published
2006
Length
391 pages
Annotation
Chapters in this anthology on investigative interviewing focus on the rights of those interviewed or interrogated, research developments regarding effective interviews/interrogations, and developments in the regulation of interviews/interrogations.
Abstract
The four chapters that focus on developments in the rights of those being interviewed/interrogated focus on interrogations conducted in the context of the "war on terror." The chapters generally note that human rights granted suspects in the criminal justice systems of democratic societies have eroded in the war on terror under the militarization of custodial and interrogation practices. The authors argue that the interrogation practices used with terrorists have not only violated the human rights of prisoners established under international consensus but have also been proven by research to be ineffective in obtaining reliable information. The eight chapters that address developments in research examine empirical evidence that can help in developing effective interviewing strategies and skills. Features of interviews found by research to be most effective in gaining comprehensive and reliable information involve the development of a rapport and respectful relationship with the suspect, sensitive listening, attention to verbal and nonverbal cues that can reveal deception and provide significant information, and an unbiased willingness by the interviewer/interrogator to gain truthful information. The four chapters on developments in the regulation of investigative interviewing consider criteria for assessing delayed conscious memory recall, ethical principles for investigative interviewing that respect both victims' and suspects' rights, and the purpose and use of regulations for police interrogation. Chapter notes, references, and a subject index