Abstract
The research base concerning interviews with suspects remains to be comprehensively developed. For example, the extant literature provides differing views regarding how best to undertake the important interview task of disclosing evidence. In the current study, using a self-report questionnaire, 224 investigators based in England and Wales were asked as to their own preferred methods. Most respondents advocated a gradual method of disclosing evidence, stating that this approach would better reveal inconsistencies and obtain a complete version of events (similar to the reasoning of those who preferred disclosing evidence later). Those who advocated revealing evidence early stated this approach would more likely elicit confessions. Several respondents would not commit to one single method, arguing that their chosen strategy was contextually dependent. The study’s findings suggest that it remains arguable as to whether there is one best approach to evidence disclosure and/or whether particular circumstances should influence interviewing strategies.
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Appendix 1: Survey questionnaire
Appendix 1: Survey questionnaire
This questionnaire concerns evidence disclosure in interviews. It is not related to what youmight disclose to lawyers before an interview. Thank you for undertaking this questionnaire. It is part of my research being conducted with my colleagues to examine further whatactually practitioners, through their experience, consider as good practice in interviews withsuspects. Completion of the questionnaire implies your voluntary consent to take part in thissurvey. If you, later, wish to withdraw please get in touch with me (my address below). Thanks for taking part in this survey. Your views are so invaluable.
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Walsh, D., Milne, B. & Bull, R. One Way or Another? Criminal Investigators’ Beliefs Regarding the Disclosure of Evidence in Interviews with Suspects in England and Wales. J Police Crim Psych 31, 127–140 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-015-9174-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-015-9174-5