Ethical Interviewing

Question 1

What is a previous criticism of police interviewing?

Answer 1

That they fail to treat suspects with respect and dignitiy.

Question 2

Describe the criteria of case preparation.

Answer 2

• The interviewer must be aware of all aspects of the investigation
• They should plan the aims of the interview

Question 3

Describe the criteria of the interview.

Answer 3

• The interviewer should explain how the process will take place and allow for questions
• The interviewer should show empathy and be able to identify with the interviewee to build rapport
• The interviewer must also have good communication skills by using tone and non-verbal communication to avoid discomfort of the interviewee
• The interviewer should remain professional and not interrupt the interviewee and should ask for more detail when necessary
• The interviewee should be made aware when the interview is coming to an end before it does

Question 4

Describe where and how the interview is conducted.

Answer 4

• In a private room

- There may be a witness to take notes

Question 5

Using the acronym ‘EACH’, evaluate 2 ‘evidence’ points.

Answer 5

P - Kebbell (2000) supports
E - Found evidence presenting ethical interviewing were more likely to get a confession compared to interviewer dominance
E - Therefore demonstrating that they are successful in improving the accuracy and reliability of a confession
P - Walshe and Milne (2010) rejects
E - The study found that interviewers trained in ethical interviewing were not that good at building the rapport required
E - This lack of rapport may negatively affect confession or that rapport is not necessary to gain a confession

Question 6

Using the acronym ‘EACH’, evaluate a ‘how’ point.

Answer 6

P - Kebbell used correlational data
E - Found that ethical interviewing was more likely to get a confession compared to interviewer dominance
E - Therefore we cannot establish cause and effect

Question 7

Are there any practical applications?

Answer 7

P - Yes
E - The ultimate aim of the technique is to build a rapport and adhere to the suspects rights to obtain a confession
E - Therefore such ethical methods may improve the public faith in the legal system and its convictions

Question 8

Using the acronym ‘EACH’, evaluate 2 ‘criticisms’ points.

Answer 8

P - Difficult and time consuming
E - Ethical interviewers need to have training in how to conduct one and improve their communication skills
E - Therefore there may be limitations in cases where the police need a quick turnaround
P - Walshe and Milne (2010)
E - Found that the model is not being used correctly in the real world
E - Therefore it may be less effective due to limiting what is covered