{"id":2758,"date":"2024-07-22T07:13:14","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T07:13:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davidhorn.com\/?post_type=resource-hub&p=2758"},"modified":"2025-07-28T14:14:38","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:14:38","slug":"transforming-interrogations-emily-alison-and-the-orbit-model","status":"publish","type":"resource-hub","link":"https:\/\/davidhorn.com\/pl\/resource-hub\/transforming-interrogations-emily-alison-and-the-orbit-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Transforming interrogations: Emily Alison and the Orbit Model"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Transforming interrogations<\/mark>: Emily Alison and the Orbit Model<\/strong> <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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In the world of law enforcement and investigative interviewing, understanding the human element is crucial.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Listen<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This week on our podcast<\/mark><\/a>, we had the privilege of hosting Emily Alison, a renowned psychologist and the co-creator of the Orbit <\/mark><\/a>model<\/mark><\/a> (Observing Rapport-Based Interpersonal Techniques). Emily Alison and Lawrence Alison<\/mark><\/a>, have revolutionised the field of investigative interviewing with a practical, science-based method that prioritises ethical considerations and effective communication. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Who are Emily Alison and Lawrence Alison? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emily Alison is a respected psychologist at the University of Liverpool<\/mark><\/a>, 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 <\/mark>High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG)<\/mark><\/a> 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.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Emily Alison<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The core of Orbit <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact of the Orbit Model <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Davidhorn is involved <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Davidhorn, investigative interviewing<\/mark><\/a> forms the core of what we do. Recording interviews<\/mark><\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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