The vision for change  

Enter Bragi Guðbrandsson, who would become the architect of one of the most significant reforms in child protection services. 

“We had over 100 cases per year being dealt with in different sectors – child protection, police, medical profession – but there was complete failure of the system to deal with these cases,” Guðbrandsson explains. The research revealed a disturbing lack of collaboration between agencies, an absence of professional guidelines, and children being subjected to repeated interviews. 

Building the children’s house 

The solution? Barnahus – literally “Children’s House” – a revolutionary concept that brought all services under one roof. But creating this haven for vulnerable children wasn’t without its challenges. The medical profession initially resisted, preferring to conduct examinations in hospitals. The legal community worried about neutrality, arguing that courthouses were more appropriate venues for taking testimony. 

Proving its worth  

Yet Guðbrandsson’s vision persisted. By creating a child-friendly environment where forensic interviews, medical examinations, and therapy could all take place, Barnahus dramatically improved both the experience of children and the quality of evidence gathered. 

The impact was immediate and measurable. Research comparing children’s experiences in courthouses versus Barnahus showed stark differences. While children often encountered their alleged abusers in courthouse lifts or corridors, Barnahus provided a safe, non-intimidating environment that helped children share their experiences more fully. 

A model that crossed borders 

What began in Iceland has now spread across Europe, with 28 states adopting the model. But perhaps most fascinating is how Barnahus has evolved. As Guðbrandsson notes, “Barnahus is not a recipe for the cookshop of the future. Rather, you have in Barnahus the ingredients to make something that aligns with your culture, your legal framework, and your professional traditions.” 

Adapting to local needs  

This flexibility has been key to its success. Each country has adapted the model to fit its own legal and cultural context while maintaining the core principle: putting children’s needs at the centre of the process. 

A legacy of change  

The spread of Barnahus across Europe represents more than just the adoption of a new system – it represents a fundamental shift in how we think about protecting vulnerable children. It shows that when we prioritise the experience of those we’re trying to help, we often end up with better outcomes for everyone involved. 

From that first centre in Reykjavik to dozens across Europe, Barnahus stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we’re willing to fundamentally rethink our established systems. It reminds us that sometimes the most effective solutions come not from incremental improvements to existing processes, but from daring to imagine an entirely new approach. 

A paradigm shift in policing 

The turning point came when ethical considerations started to infiltrate these traditional methods. Shepherd recalls the resistance he faced when introducing concepts of ethical interviewing in the 1980s. His work was initially met with scepticism and dismissal, seen as an academic ideal that was out of touch with the “real” world of policing. However, these ideas slowly gained traction, illustrating a growing recognition of the need for change. 

Ethical interviewing: the new standard

Ethical interviewing, as Shepherd articulates, places respect for the interviewee at the forefront. It’s about seeing the person across from you not as a suspect to be broken, but as a human being worthy of dignity and respect. This approach isn’t just about being morally sound; it’s about effectiveness. Shepherd argues that respect fosters a more open dialogue, which is more likely to yield truthful and comprehensive information. 

The role of respect 

One of the most compelling moments in the episode comes when Shepherd discusses the transformative power of respect in the interrogation room. He emphasises that respecting the interviewee can lead to more than just ethical compliance; it can change the entire dynamic of the interaction. This respect translates into a more empathetic approach, where the interviewer seeks to understand rather than dominate the conversation. 

Challenges and resistance 

Despite the progress made, Shepherd acknowledges that the journey towards fully ethical investigative interviewing is far from complete. Challenges remain, particularly in shifting the “confession culture” that still pervades many policing environments. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous education, training, and a commitment to change at all levels of law enforcement. 

Looking forward 

The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Shepherd outlining the future of investigative interviewing. He envisions a global standard of practice where ethical interviewing is not just an ideal but a fundamental aspect of all law enforcement training and operations. The ultimate goal is a criminal justice system where integrity, respect, and truth are the pillars of every interaction. 

Training as the Cornerstone of Excellence

At the heart of the ImpleMendez initiative is a focus on rigorous training. Walsh highlighted the importance of not only learning skills but also continuously applying and refining them. Regular practice challenges investigators to critically evaluate and adapt their techniques, ensuring interviewing evolves with experience and exposure.

Upholding Human Rights Through the Mendez Principles

The Mendez Principles serve as a global framework for ethical investigative interviewing. By prioritising dignity, fairness, and respect for human rights, these principles aim to prevent miscarriages of justice and establish trust in the investigative process.

Navigating Challenges to Implementation of Mendez Principles

Adopting global standards is not without its difficulties. Legal systems, cultural contexts, and resource disparities pose challenges to the implementation of the Mendez Principles. However, dialogue about these barriers is driving evolution and adaptation, ensuring that these standards remain relevant across diverse regions.

Fostering Continuous Learning for Justice

Professor Walsh emphasised the importance of creating a culture of continuous learning within law enforcement. Robust training combined with adherence to global standards like the Mendez Principles equips investigators to contribute to a fairer and more equitable legal system.

Reporting and misconceptions 

One of the striking data points discussed in the podcast is the alarming statistic that only about 5% of sexual abuse victims report the crime within 72 hours. This delay is significant, not because it implies any fault on the part of the victim, but because it highlights the immense challenges victims face in coming forward. Dr. Tidmarsh notes that societal and systemic barriers, such as ingrained misogyny within policing, often discourage victims from reporting. Historically, cases involving sexual crimes were not seen as “proper policing” work and were often relegated to the margins of the policing world. 

Misogyny and policing 

The discussion also touches on the pervasive issue of misogyny in policing, especially concerning how sexual crime cases are handled. Dr. Tidmarsh points out that this not only affects the investigation quality but also impacts the satisfaction and trust victims have in the justice process. However, training programs that incorporate “The Whole Story” approach have been shown to reduce victim-blaming attitudes among investigators significantly and improve the overall handling of these sensitive cases. 

False reporting rates 

Another critical topic addressed is the misconception around false reporting. Contrary to the prevalent myth that false reporting is high in sexual crimes, research indicates that the rate of false reports is actually between 2% and 10%, more likely closer to 5%. Dr. Tidmarsh emphasises that most people who report sexual crimes are telling the truth, and a better understanding of the nature of these crimes can help investigators identify the truth more effectively. 

Impact and future directions 

“The Whole Story” approach has not only changed investigative practices but has also had a measurable impact on how victims perceive their treatment by the police. After implementing specialised training and approaches like those advocated by Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh, victim satisfaction rates have shown significant improvement. This shift is crucial in a landscape where trust in the police is critical for effective justice. 

Conclusion 

Dr. Patrick Tidmarsh’s contributions to investigative interviewing highlight an important shift towards more empathetic, informed, and effective policing practices. His work continues to influence and reshape the handling of sexual and relationship-based crimes globally. It aims to foster a justice system that truly understands and respects the experiences of victims while rigorously pursuing the truth. As we look forward to more innovations in the field, it’s clear that the foundations laid by experts like Dr. Tidmarsh will play a vital role in shaping future practices in criminal justice. 

The PEACE method, in which development Prof. Bull was heavily involved, emphasises Preparation and Planning, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure, and Evaluate – steps that encourage respect, rapport, and understanding between interviewer and interviewee. This approach challenges the traditional model, promoting instead an interaction that respects the dignity of all involved, including suspects who might otherwise face coercion. 

This transformation didn’t happen in isolation. It was supported by broader changes in police training, which began to include cultural awareness and communication skills. Prof. Ray Bull’s evaluations and ongoing research have continuously demonstrated that empathetic interviewing not only upholds the dignity of the interviewee but also increases the effectiveness of police investigations. 

Prof. Ray Bull’s influence extends beyond the UK, inspiring changes in policing and interviewing practices around the world. It is a reminder that the way forward in law enforcement and justice involves a commitment to ethical practices that respect human rights. His work continues to inspire a new generation of law enforcement professionals and academics to rethink how interviews should be conducted in the service of justice. 

Listen to the conversation between Dr. Ivar Fahsing and Prof. Ray Bull to learn more about PEACE method and how it still radiates across the globe. 

Throughout his career, Fallon has participated in major investigations, including the first World Trade Center attack and the USS Cole bombing. These experiences exposed him to the harsh realities and ineffectiveness of torture, driving his shift towards promoting humane and effective interrogation techniques. His book, “Unjustifiable Means,” explores the troubling aspects of US interrogation methods and his personal crusade against them, advocating for a shift towards rapport-based interviewing that aligns with human rights principles. 

Unlike many European countries, where ethical standards and human rights are increasingly more embedded in law enforcement practices, the US has historically been slower to abandon coercive interrogation methods, such as the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques (EITs). Fallon’s advocacy highlights the critical need for the US to align more closely with practices that prioritise human dignity and justice in interrogation methods (i.e. the ORBIT method). 

Mr. Fallon stresses the need to align modern police interviewing methods with scientific research and strict legal standards to avoid past errors and boost law enforcement credibility. His experience highlights how ethical standards can drive significant change in the justice system, ensuring empirical methods that improve the quality of investigations and interrogation methods that respect justice and human dignity. 

His story is not only about transitioning from traditional interrogation to ethical interviewing; it’s about a commitment to justice and the profound impact that one individual’s perseverance and principles can have on the global stage. 

To understand the full extent of these issues and the potential for positive change, tune into Ivar Fashing’s discussion with Mark Fallon, where they explore how determination and ethics can bring significant improvements in even the most challenging environments.