Danish Police are testing new interview technique.

New interviewing technique yields more information

The Police in “Midt- and Vestsjællands” are extending the use of interview recording

Parts of the Danish Police Force have started to record interviews of both witnesses and suspects in homicide, rape and other criminal cases. It is often used in combination with a particular interview technique whereby the interviewee should be able to speak freely and undisturbed about their recollection of the event/s.

A traditional interview often involves pauses and interruptions. According to many police officers, such pauses and interruptions could result in critical information not being accurately recorded and documented.

The interruptions are often caused by the police officer having to simultaneously fill out his/her report. A new technique has been introduced at the police department in Roskilde (Denmark) as a consequence - a new interview room has been designed with a comfortable sitting area where all audio and video sources are recorded by the use of video cameras and microphones.

“You get a lot more investigative material as a result and both parties are more focused,” says criminal investigator Lisbeth Knudsen.

The so-called cognitive interview technique is an entirely different approach to the traditional technique. Instead of trying to get information out of the witness or the accused in a pre-determined sequence, the interviewee will be directed back to the scene of the event and asked to talk about their experience using their own words and timing.

“It provides a broader and more objective interview. There is a lot to gain and you will obtain more detail,” says Inspector Jens Møller.

Up until now this has been regarded as a pilot. Only a limited number of interviews have been completed in the specially designed interrogation room. Lisbeth Knudsen does not question the benefit though; “You are able to save time in the investigation when proper information and details are derived in the beginning of a case,” says Lisbeth Knudsen.