Lessons Learned 

The project wasn’t without challenges. Early communication around security and VPN requirements needed improvement. “There was a breakdown in communications early in the project,” admits DS McCreight. “But as the project went on, there was a building of an understanding between both Humberside Police and Davidhorn.” 

The key to success? Meticulous testing and focusing on ease of use. “Each device was tested by myself or one of my team as a standalone system. We checked every single piece of kit, we checked every recording, we checked the sound quality.” 

When issues arose – like a flickering display screen – response was swift. “Straight away somebody jumped on board from product support… and that was done.” 

Advice for Other Forces 

The message from Humberside is clear: “Don’t rush it.” 

“Set your stall out early. Make sure you understand what the solution offers, how it’s going to work within your own framework, and make sure that it fits and aligns with each part of that. If you can get the project to have simultaneous approaches across hardware and software installations, if you can make them aligned, it will speed up delivery.” 

The Bottom Line 

In seven weeks, Humberside Police progressed 1,500 cases through the criminal justice system using their new DIR solution. 

“There’s a victim at the back of each one of those 1,500 interviews. That’s 1,500 cases that we’ve progressed in the criminal justice system,” reflects Detective Sergeant McCreight. “It’s given us confidence to use the system and our staff have bought into it and are using it.” 

The best indicator of success? Officers are frustrated when DIR rooms aren’t available – because they prefer the new system to the old way of working. 

Interested in learning how Davidhorn’s DIR solution could transform your force’s interview processes? Get in touch to discuss your requirements. 

From Law to Practice: The First Barnahus

In 2015, CNPAC, in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice, organised Moldova’s first training program for specialised child interviewers, bringing in international experts such as Nigel King from the UK and Bert Groen from the Netherlands. Among the first cohort was Diana Țeberneac, who would become one of Moldova’s most experienced child interviewers and a key figure in the Barnahus implementation.

The training marked a crucial transition from advocacy to service delivery. CNPAC wasn’t content to simply campaign for change – they wanted to demonstrate how child-friendly justice could work in practice.

In 2014, the first specialised interview equipment was purchased and installed within the social rehabilitation service managed by CNPAC. Since then, for more than ten years, hundreds of children from the central region of the country have been interviewed by trained professionals using this specialised setup, ensuring both legal reliability and emotional safety.

The culmination of these efforts came in 2019 when the Moldovan government approved the regulatory framework for Barnahus services. CNPAC obtained accreditation as a service provider and launched Barnahus North in Bălți, serving 12 administrative units in northern Moldova and covering 571 localities.

This wasn’t just another service launch – it was the first Barnahus implementation in the post-Soviet space, making Moldova a pioneer in child protection reform for the entire region.

Technology as an Enabler: The Davidhorn Solution

With legislative requirements for audio-video recording in place, CNPAC needed technology that could meet international standards while proving reliable in Moldova’s specific context. They selected Davidhorn’s Indico Software Recorder system, a choice that would prove instrumental to their success.

The technology implementation was refreshingly straightforward. “Our cooperation with Davidhorn is super smooth and we are very happy with it,” explains Diana Țeberneac. “From the moment the equipment was installed, we used it. We didn’t have any difficulties.”

“For us at Davidhorn, it has been an honour to contribute to such a groundbreaking child protection initiative in Moldova. Technology alone will not create change, but when combined with the dedication and vision of partners like CNPAC, it becomes a powerful enabler. Our cooperation throughout the project has been excellent – from the very first meetings to the installations of our systems in Chișinău and Bălți. Seeing how our recording solutions have helped ensure both reliable evidence and a more humane experience for children is deeply meaningful to us. This is exactly why we do what we do – to support professionals who are making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children.” reflects Stig Knutsen, Chief Partner Officer at Davidhorn.

CNPAC installed two systems: one at Barnahus North in Bălți and another at their center in Chișinău. The fixed HD recording solutions provide court-ready evidence while maintaining the child-friendly environment essential to the Barnahus model.

The reliability of the technology has been crucial to building professional confidence in the new system. If technical issues do arise, they’re resolved quickly through Davidhorn’s partnership with local IT specialists.

Perhaps most importantly, the technology has proven its worth in the courtroom. Legal professionals who were initially sceptical of the Barnahus approach have become advocates after seeing the quality of evidence produced through recorded interviews.

Overcoming Resistance: The Power of Evidence

Not everyone embraced the Barnahus model immediately. State institutions showed initial reluctance to use the new facilities, preferring familiar processes despite their limitations.

“They were rather reluctant, or they were not very happy to come to the Barnahus,” Irina Sandu recalls. “We really faced this kind of resistance from the system, and it took us quite a lot to overcome this challenge.”

The sources of resistance were understandable: habit, comfort with existing processes, and insufficient understanding of the benefits. Some professionals genuinely didn’t see what was wrong with the old way of doing things.

CNPAC’s response was characteristically methodical. Instead of arguing or applying pressure, they focused on demonstrating results. They organised study visits, invited sceptical professionals to observe Barnahus interviews, and carefully documented outcomes.

The strategy worked. Professionals began to recognise that Barnahus interviews produced higher-quality evidence while reducing trauma for children. Some legal teams now travel from southern Moldova to the northern Barnahus specifically because they trust the quality of evidence produced there.

“We have some professionals who are ready to travel from South to North,” Daniela Sîmboteanu explains. “They are confident that interviewing in Barnahus will ensure good evidence for the case.”

Measuring Success: More Than Numbers

Today, CNPAC’s Barnahus operations handle over 400 interviews annually with just nine active interviewers – a testament to both the demand for services and the efficiency of the model. With the support of UNICEF, the organisation has trained 28 certified interviewers nationwide, creating a professional network capable of supporting expanded services.

But the most compelling evidence of success comes from the people the system serves. CNPAC conducted research to gather feedback from children and parents who had experienced Barnahus interviews. The results were overwhelmingly positive: families appreciated the less traumatic experience and the supportive environment that helped them navigate the legal system.

Children describe feeling safer and more comfortable. Parents report that the process felt “less dramatic” and more manageable. Legal professionals acknowledge that they get better evidence from interviews conducted in the Barnahus environment.

“They appreciated the assistance in the Barnahus that helped them to pass easily through this experience,” Daniela Sîmboteanu explains. “To be in contact with the legal system in a less traumatic way.”

A Model That Inspires: The Ripple Effect

The success of CNPAC’s Barnahus has created ripple effects throughout Moldova’s victim services landscape. Other organisations working with victims of violence have contacted Davidhorn directly, seeking similar recording technology for their facilities.

“We are very glad that other service providers were inspired by us,” Ms Sîmboteanu notes with satisfaction. Women’s shelters, UN Women projects, and other victim services have adopted similar technology, creating what amounts to a new standard for recording in Moldova’s victim services sector.

This organic spread of best practices demonstrates something crucial: when organisations implement genuinely effective solutions, other professionals notice and want to replicate them. The technology spillover effect has amplified CNPAC’s impact far beyond their direct services.

Sustainable Success: The Funding Model

Perhaps most impressively, CNPAC has achieved something many NGOs struggle with: sustainable government funding for their services. In 2019, the regulatory framework established Barnahus as a state-funded service, with CNPAC operating as an accredited service provider while the government covers operational costs.

“The reality is that the state is conscious that Barnahus is a state-funded service,” Daniela Sîmboteanu explains. “As NGO, we’re service providers, so they procure the services from our organisation, but they cover the cost.”

This represents a fundamental shift in how Moldova approaches child protection – from viewing it as charity work to recognising it as an essential government service. CNPAC still needs to advocate annually for budget increases, but the principle of state responsibility has been established.

The sustainable funding model has allowed CNPAC to focus on service quality and expansion rather than constant fundraising. It also signals to other countries that Barnahus services can be integrated into national budgets rather than remaining dependent on international donors.

Looking Forward: Technology and Expansion

As CNPAC plans for future expansion – a second Barnahus is planned for southern Moldova with UNICEF support – they’re also thinking about technological evolution. The current CD/DVD recording format is becoming obsolete as fewer devices can read these formats.

“Less and less devices accept CDs,” Diana Țeberneac observes. “We anticipate this as a risk, and we think that maybe these hearings could be registered in a more modern and sustainable way.”

Davidhorn’s evolution toward cloud-based storage and digital sharing capabilities aligns perfectly with these needs. As the Barnahus network expands, the ability to share evidence securely and efficiently will become increasingly important.

The technology needs reflect a broader trend: what started as a solution to meet legislative requirements has become a platform for continuous improvement in how Moldova protects children.

Lessons for the World: A Replicable Model

CNPAC’s 27-year journey from emergency response to systemic transformation offers valuable lessons for child protection advocates worldwide, particularly in regions with similar legal and cultural challenges.

The first lesson is patience combined with persistence. Systemic change takes time, but consistent effort guided by clear vision can achieve remarkable results. CNPAC didn’t try to change everything at once; they built credibility through service delivery, then used that credibility to advocate for legislative change, then demonstrated how the new laws could work in practice.

The second lesson is the power of evidence-based advocacy. Rather than simply arguing that the old system was wrong, CNPAC demonstrated that their approach produced better outcomes for everyone involved – children, families, and legal professionals alike.

The third lesson is the importance of reliable technology partnerships. CNPAC’s success with Davidhorn’s recording systems wasn’t just about having good equipment; it was about having a technology partner that understood their mission and provided reliable support when needed.

International Recognition: Moldova as a Pioneer

CNPAC’s achievements have gained international recognition through their founding membership in the Barnahus Network, which connects similar initiatives across Europe. Their experience is particularly valuable because Moldova represents the first successful Barnahus implementation in a post-Soviet context.

“From the methodological point of view, it’s the European BARNAHUS network,” Daniela Sîmboteanu explains when asked about international support. This international recognition brings both validation and responsibility. Other countries in similar situations look to Moldova’s experience for guidance on how to implement child-friendly justice reforms in challenging institutional environments.

The Human Impact: Why This Matters

Behind every statistic and policy change are individual children whose lives have been fundamentally improved by CNPAC’s work. Diana Țeberneac, one of the first certified interviewers, has personally conducted hundreds of interviews using the Barnahus model and Davidhorn technology.

The difference in children’s experiences is profound. Instead of facing a room full of intimidating officials, children now interact with a single, specially trained professional in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. The recording technology ensures their testimony is captured accurately without requiring repeated questioning.

For families navigating the justice system, the Barnahus approach transforms what could be a traumatic ordeal into a manageable process where their children’s well-being is the primary concern.

For legal professionals, the higher quality of evidence obtained through proper interviews leads to better case outcomes and more successful prosecutions of crimes against children.

A Story of Hope and Determination

The story of CNPAC and Moldova’s Barnahus implementation is ultimately a story about what’s possible when vision meets determination and reliable partnerships. It demonstrates that even small organisations in resource-constrained environments can achieve transformational change when they combine a clear mission, strategic thinking, and the right technology partners.

Over nearly three decades, CNPAC has played a leading role in shaping Moldova’s child protection system – from developing policies and intersectoral cooperation mechanisms to promoting national prevention programs that have changed both professional practices and public attitudes toward child abuse.

But beyond organisational success, CNPAC’s story represents something more significant: proof that with persistence, partnership, and proper technology support, it’s possible to build justice systems that truly serve their most vulnerable citizens.

In a world where child protection often feels like a challenge, Moldova’s experience offers something precious: a working model that others can adapt and implement, creating a future where every child victim of violence has access to justice without re-traumatisation.

The revolution in Moldova’s child protection system is far from complete – expansion to other regions continues, new technologies are being explored, and more professionals are being trained. But the foundation has been laid, the model has been proven, and the children of Moldova are safer because of it.

“They probably do the most interviews, and they say that they can do up to 40 a month,” notes Ms. Whittaker. “Other teams, such as licensing, can conduct several interviews a month. In contrast, other teams may only need the equipment a handful of times in a year.” 

With such varying usage patterns across departments, the cloud-based system offers the flexibility and reliability required to support all teams effectively whilst maintaining the strict compliance standards necessary for legal proceedings. 

Transforming Case Management Through Digital Innovation 

The implementation of Davidhorn’s digital interview recording system has significantly improved Trafford Council’s case management processes. “With case management, it’s a lot easier because you’ve actually got a place where you’ve got information stored, you’ve got the recording and any documents you need in the same place,” she explains. 

However, the most substantial benefit has been the ability to share recordings securely. “The biggest benefit that we’re seeing compared with our previous equipment is the ability to share,” Ms. Whittaker emphasises. “Previously, this was a real issue for us.” 

The council faced considerable challenges with their former CD-based system, particularly when responding to requests for interview copies. “Our IT team did not like us copying CDs because if somebody requested a copy of the interview, we would then have to try to find a way to copy the CD. And of course, they don’t let you plug anything into the network for data security.” 

This limitation created significant obstacles in their workflow, which have now been eliminated. “It’s just removed that hassle now that actually there’s that button there that we can share it. And it’s fully audit trail.” 

Cost and Time Savings Through Automated Transcription 

The built-in transcription functionality offers substantial benefits for the council’s stretched resources. “Officers don’t have the time to transcribe their own interviews, so we then would have to go out and pay an external company to transcribe it, which, when finances are always being squeezed in the Council, it’s another benefit.” 

By bringing transcription in-house through an automated system, Trafford Council can redirect financial resources to other critical services while reducing the administrative burden on their officers. 

Navigating Implementation Challenges 

The transition to the digital system was not without its challenges. The implementation process required close collaboration with the council’s IT department to address technical hurdles such as firewall configurations. 

Another challenge was ensuring officers felt confident using the new system, particularly given the critical nature of PACE interviews. “I think there’s always going to be a nervousness, especially with a PACE interview, you don’t get to do it again if it goes wrong. That’s your one opportunity as an officer to get evidence that you can use in a court case if needed.” 

However, these initial concerns have diminished as teams have become more familiar with the equipment. “The more that they have played around with it and started to use it, they’ve realised that it’s just so easy to use.” 

Looking to the Future 

As Trafford Council continues to embrace digital solutions, the Davidhorn recording system is playing a vital role in modernising its regulatory services. The council is now exploring additional functionalities, such as the visual recording capability, which represents a significant advancement from their previous audio-only system. 

“Our IT team has loads of digital projects going on, so moving to a cloud-based system means they don’t have to be concerned with the storage and management of the data in this cloud-based solution,” Ms. Whittaker notes, highlighting the importance placed on these essential public protection services. 

The transition to cloud-based interview recording exemplifies Trafford Council’s commitment to digital transformation, improving efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards in their regulatory functions despite the challenges of limited resources and competing priorities. 

Transforming the Interview Process 

The new cloud-based interview recording system has revolutionised how Reading Borough Council conducts interviews. The team has embraced the technology enthusiastically, appreciating its ease of use and time-saving features. 

“It’s been a breath of fresh air for everybody. The team have found it really straightforward. You set up your metadata prior to the interview, go to the interview suite, put in your PIN, hit the button, and record. When the interview is concluded, it gets saved onto the cloud,” Mr. Davis explains. 

The system offers several advanced features that have enhanced the team’s workflow, including transcription services, tagging significant moments during interviews, and streaming capabilities for complex investigations. 

“What is really helpful is where you can stream the interview to someone who’s not actually in the room, which is beneficial for complex investigations where we may want someone like an expert in a specific field observing the interview.” 

Significant Time and Cost Savings 

The switch to Davidhorn’s digital solution has eliminated many time-consuming processes associated with the old DVD-based system. 

“Our time is so critical and having a recording solution like this saves a lot of time. In the days of using DVDs, you’re having to peel off labels to put onto the discs for master and working copies. Setting up the old PACE machine, plugging it in, getting the speakers set out – the new solutions save us so much time.” 

The built-in transcription service is another area where the council is seeing benefits. 

“We’re using the transcription feature, and I think that’s going to be evolving as it gets better. It’s still very good and it’s going to save us a lot of money because we previously used an external transcription company.” 

Storage has also been simplified dramatically, eliminating the need for physical storage space for DVDs that must be kept for up to six years. 

“We’ve got a huge cupboard full of DVDs, which we’re not going to have anymore. That’s really good for us. We can’t believe how we’ve worked without this before, as everyone’s been using the same antiquated system.” 

Looking to the Future 

As the team continues to explore the system’s capabilities, they’re looking forward to using additional features such as the sharing function to collaborate with their legal team, and they’re eager to see enhancements to the transcription service. 

Overall, Reading Borough Council’s experience with Davidhorn has been overwhelmingly positive, transforming their interview process into something more efficient, reliable, and fit for purpose in the modern age. 

Support from Davidhorn

Throughout the implementation, Davidhorn provided ongoing support to address the unique needs of the police force. Regular weekly meetings allowed the project team to discuss any challenges, adapt the system’s interface, and fine-tune metadata entry processes. Sgt Moorhouse noted, “If there was a problem, we would just contact the customer support, and we would get help straight away.” This close collaboration helped ensure the system was tailored to the force’s requirements and made the transition to digital recording as seamless as possible.

How the new devices are making a difference

The Davidhorn devices have brought substantial improvements in efficiency and ease of use, allowing officers to focus more on frontline duties. One key benefit is the reduced setup and close-down time for interviews. Sgt Ant Moorhouse observed, “Inputting metadata on that screen takes about 30 seconds, whereas on the old system it could take several minutes.” These small-time savings accumulate quickly, especially considering the high number of interviews conducted each and every day.

Another major advancement is the portable recording kits, which provide critical flexibility in unique scenarios. For example, our Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have used a portable kit to conduct an interview abroad. The team was able to record and immediately review the footage remotely, something that would have been impossible with their previous equipment. “The portable has been a real game changer with high-quality audio and video” Sgt Moorhouse explained.

The new system has also improved the quality of audio recordings, which is crucial for i.e. interviews involving interpreters. Previously, poor audio quality had led to complaints from judges and solicitors in court, but with Davidhorn’s devices, the sound quality is much clearer, even during phone-based interpretation. “The sound quality is a lot better on the Davidhorn equipment,” Sgt Moorhouse noted, meaning recordings are now dependable and suitable for court proceedings.

Furthermore, Davidhorn’s secure sharing link has simplified the process of sharing interview recordings with solicitors and other forces, eliminating the need for DVDs and reducing the risk of data breaches. “We use the sharing link for everything… it’s a win on time, but it’s also a win in terms of risk management,” Sgt Ant Moorhouse said.

Looking towards the future

With the implementation complete, Sgt Moorhouse is optimistic about the future potential of Davidhorn’s solutions. He sees advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising next step, particularly around automated redaction, statement-taking and transcription. Additionally, the feedback from officers has been overwhelmingly positive. “The kit in the stations is just so easy to use… they absolutely love its ease of use,” Sgt Moorhouse shared, adding that – last but not least – the compact design frees up valuable desk space in interview rooms.

As Devon & Cornwall Police, and Dorset Police continue to embrace digital transformation, Davidhorn’s technology is set to support them in overcoming geographic and logistical challenges, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and ultimately providing a higher standard of service to their communities.