Ethical foundations and practical applications 

Gisle detailed the creation of the UN Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigations, a groundbreaking tool aimed at harmonising global standards in law enforcement. This manual isn’t just a set of guidelines; it’s a transformative document designed to ensure fair, effective, and humane treatment within the criminal justice system, aligning perfectly with Sustainable Development Goal #16 which promotes just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. 

Gisle Kvanvig

The importance of methodology in justice 

One of the key takeaways from this discussion was the critical role of methodology in maintaining the presumption of innocence. Gisle emphasised how traditional interrogation techniques often compromise this fundamental principle, while structured interviews support it. This approach not only helps in aligning police work with international human rights standards but also enhances the effectiveness of the judicial process by preventing miscarriages of justice. 

Impacting global law enforcement 

Gisle also shared how the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights is influencing law enforcement practices worldwide. From Vietnam to Brazil, the adoption of these new interviewing techniques is fostering a more ethical approach to policing. The success stories Gisle recounted illustrate a significant shift in how officers perceive their roles and responsibilities, moving away from coercion towards a more evidence-based, respectful interaction with suspects. 

Future directions 

Looking ahead, Gisle highlighted the ongoing need to adapt and refine these methods to address various global challenges, including corruption, violent crimes, and war crimes. The adaptability of investigative interviewing makes it a powerful tool not only for developed countries but also for developing nations struggling with diverse crime dynamics. 

Gisle Kvanvig provided insights into how ethical investigative interviewing is shaping the future of law enforcement globally. It’s clear that through continued education, adaptation, and international cooperation, we can achieve a more just and humane world. 

Who are Emily Alison and Lawrence Alison? 

Emily Alison is a respected psychologist at the University of Liverpool, specialising in interrogation and interviewing practices. Together with Lawrence Alison, who has a background in critical incident decision-making, they developed the Orbit model – a comprehensive approach that enhances rapport and communication in interviews. Through working closely with the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG) they gathered invaluable insights into the effect of real-world interviews. By studying more than 2000 hours of interviews with terrorist suspects and other sensitive subjects they analysed causalities between the approach of the investigator and the information and evidence gathered from these interviews, leading to the creation of the Orbit model.  

Emily Alison

The core of Orbit 

The Orbit model stands out for its focus on building rapport and understanding instinctive communication patterns. It is derived from extensive real-world applications and is designed to improve not only police interviews but also interactions in various high-stakes environments. The model is structured around the foundational principles of human psychology and social communication, incorporating aspects from motivational interviewing and humanistic theories. 

Impact of the Orbit Model 

Emily’s discussion on our podcast highlights the transformational impact of the Orbit model in various circumstances, from law enforcement to personal relationships. Her approach underscores the importance of understanding and managing interpersonal dynamics in interviews, which can lead to more effective and truthful information gathering. 

Why Davidhorn is involved 

At Davidhorn, investigative interviewing forms the core of what we do. Recording interviews and ensuring they are conducted ethically aligns closely with the principles discussed by Emily Alison. Her insights into rapport-based interviewing techniques provide invaluable knowledge that helps in advancing our mission to promote ethical interviewing practices. 

Conclusion 

This episode with Emily Alison offers insights into the art and science of investigative interviewing. Her expertise in building connections through empathy and understanding offers a significant shift to traditional interrogation methods, aligning perfectly with Davidhorn’s commitment to ethical and effective interviewing techniques. 

Who is Juan Méndez? 

Prof. Juan Méndez’s journey as a human rights advocate is both profound and inspiring. Born and raised in Argentina, Méndez witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed under military dictatorship, where torture was rampant. His personal experiences and legal background propelled him into a lifelong quest against torture, eventually leading him to serve as a global advocate and an influential figure in the United Nations. 

His work culminated in the development of the Méndez Principles; a set of guidelines designed to ensure that police interviewing techniques comply with international human rights standards. These principles emphasise the prohibition of torture and psychological coercion, advocating for methods that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals. 

Fahsing and Méndez in New York

The impact of the Méndez Principles 

During the podcast, Méndez discusses the significant impact these principles have had on global policing standards. The conversation reveals how traditional, coercive interrogation tactics not only fail to comply with ethical norms but are also ineffective and can lead to false confessions and miscarriages of justice. The Méndez principles offer a framework that helps police forces shift towards more humane and effective practices. 

Why listen? 

This episode is crucial for understanding the intersection of law enforcement and human rights. It highlights the necessity of ethical standards in policing, not just for the sake of compliance but because humane practices lead to more effective law enforcement. For Davidhorn, a company working with recording police interviews, this discussion underscores the importance of transparency and ethics in every interaction within the criminal justice system. 

The takeaway 

“Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” with Juan Méndez is more than just a podcast episode; it’s a call to action for reforming interrogation practices worldwide and turning them into investigative interviewing. It serves as a reminder that change is possible when we commit to upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals in the pursuit of justice. 

Whether you are a legal professional, law enforcement officer, a student of human rights, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can all contribute to a more just and ethical world.