A new chapter in global justice: The Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation has been launched
In spring 2024, the “Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation” was published, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of global justice systems.
This manual, the result of a collaborative effort among the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, introduces a transformative approach to criminal investigations worldwide.
Revolutionising investigative interviewing
Now the Manual has been launched during the UN Chiefs of Police Summit 2024. Juan Méndez, Professor of Human Rights Law, former UN’s Special Rapporteur on torture shared hist thoughts about the publication while interviewed for Davidhorn’s podcast “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”:
Summary
- Launch of 2024 Manual: The “Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation,” published in spring 2024 by the UN and related organisations, introduces a transformative, non-coercive approach to criminal investigations worldwide.
- Global standard for ethical interviewing: The manual sets a new global standard, promoting human rights-respecting techniques that enhance the effectiveness of investigations while preventing ill-treatment and torture.
- Davidhorn’s commitment: Davidhorn supports the implementation of this manual with advanced recording and interview management technologies, helping law enforcement agencies adhere to ethical interviewing standards globally.
“We needed a set of guidelines, and this set is based on 40 years of experience from researchers who have studied how police work can comply with human rights standards, guarantee all the safeguards that suspects should have in a democratic police environment, and at the same time provide an affirmative vehicle for the police to do their work more effectively than relying on coercion, which has been proven to be counterproductive.”
Setting a new global standard for police interviewing techniques
The manual establishes a comprehensive framework for non-coercive interviewing techniques that respect human rights and uphold the principles of justice. Its publication is particularly crucial for parts of the world where coercive interrogation practices have still been the norm. By promoting ethical interviewing standards, the manual not only aims to enhance the effectiveness of criminal investigations but also ensures that these practices are grounded in respect for human dignity and the avoidance of any form of ill-treatment or torture.
Facilitating a mindset shift
The introduction of this manual represents a paradigm shift in how investigative interviews are conducted globally. It moves away from traditional, often coercive interrogation tactics towards a method that emphasises rapport-building, empathy, and psychological understanding. This approach helps to receive more accurate and reliable information, crucial for the fairness and reliability of subsequent criminal proceedings.
Listen to our podcast where Dr. Ivar Fahsing and Dr. Asbjørn Rachlew are talking about this case.
Impact across diverse legal systems
The significance of the manual extends across various legal systems, offering a universal guideline that can be adapted to local contexts while maintaining international human rights standards. Countries are encouraged to integrate these practices into their national training programs for law enforcement, ensuring that the principles of ethical police interviewing become ingrained within the fabric of global justice processes.
Davidhorn’s role in supporting global justice
At Davidhorn, we are committed to supporting the implementation of this groundbreaking manual through our advanced recording and interview management technologies. Our solutions are designed to complement the ethical interviewing techniques advocated in the manual, providing law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to adhere to these standards.
Conclusion: a call to ethical justice practices
We invite justice systems worldwide to adopt this manual’s guidelines and join us in transforming the landscape of investigative interviewing. Together, we can ensure a future where justice is not only served but upheld with the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Written by:
Marta Hopfer-Gilles
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