Citation

Read J, Powell M, Kebbell M, Milne B, Steinberg R. Policing Soc. 2013; 24(5): 523-544.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10439463.2013.784297

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article examined adherence to current best practice recommendations for police interviewing of individuals suspected of committing child-sexual offences. We analysed 81 police records of interviews (electronically recorded and then transcribed) with suspects in child-sexual abuse cases in England and Australia. Overall we found areas of skilled practice, indicating that police interviewing in Australia and England is in a far better place than 20 years ago. However, this study also demonstrated that there is still a gap between the recommended guidelines for interviewing and what actually happens in practice. Specifically, limitations were found in the following areas: transparency of the interview process; introduction of allegations; disclosure of evidence; questioning techniques; and the interviewing approach or manner adopted. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.