As the imperative to uphold human rights continues to spread around the world, several countries have been making significant strides in improving their law enforcement processes, particularly regarding interrogation techniques. Improving public safety is now a global mission, and through collaboration and by studying other models, every nation can find new ways to improve their own process in the modern era.
Countries Improving Their Interviewing Techniques
With legal reforms and new training regimens, and by recording audio video interview evidence, agencies can make significant improvements in their efforts for delivering transparency to the people—all while effectively reducing crime.
Productive interrogations enhance the investigative process, and accurate evidence helps ensure that justice is upheld. Any wrongful conviction is one too many. The risk of a false confession is equally disturbing. That’s why communities are seeking to adopt new, modern methods for police interrogations and intelligence gathering. These improvements are often motivated by scientific research, as well as advocate groups and international coalitions.
For example, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia have each adopted the interview model P.E.A.C.E. (Preparation and Planning, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure, and Evaluate), which emphasizes non-coercive, ethical interviewing techniques. The approach focuses on building rapport with the interviewee. As a result, investigators are finding that it’s easier to obtain information and reliable confessions. We no longer need to rely on using intimidation tactics. The science has shown that there’s a better way to conduct police work.
The United States has also been at the forefront of implementing new interrogation methods, most notably, the Cognitive Interview technique. This interview format is based on psychological principles that can enhance the retrieval of reliable information from witnesses and victims who have experienced trauma.
Germany is demonstrating a commitment to correct outdated police practices too. With its new draft law to adjust the Federal Police Act, the country is working to enhance transparency and accountability by adopting techniques to counteract racial profiling and align with today’s human rights standards. All of these efforts can serve as inspiration and models for other nations pursuing police reform and better interrogation techniques!
Raising the Standards for Police Reform Worldwide
Despite the best efforts of national leaders and local leaders in public safety, challenges still remain. There are instances of police misconduct on every side of the world, and in order to ensure that we’re all pursuing best practices across the board, outside accountability is sometimes key.
International organizations have been involved in training police in modern, non-coercive interrogation techniques. Nevertheless, implementation can be inconsistent. To make matters more complicated, widespread protests and public demand for accountability can put even more pressure on agencies to revitalize their approach. The road ahead may not be easy, but reforms can certainly be a welcome improvement for nations that have long struggled with police violence and systemic issues.
Fortunately, advances in technology, such as the use of body cameras and video recording of interrogations, have contributed to greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. For departments looking to dramatically enhance their investigative process, partnering with an interview room recording solutions provider can be a great next step!
Our team at iRecord is happy to collaborate with agencies around the world, and our experience with international projects can help revitalize any agency’s efforts to streamline their digital evidence management or interview recording solutions. We offer both onsite and mobile systems, giving public safety professionals the power to record interviews anytime, from anywhere. There are plenty of options to consider for police reform. Send us a message to learn more during a complimentary consultation!