Davidhorn appoints Richard Kempshall -senior policing expert to lead global investigative interviewing practice
Richard Kempshall brings 25 years of frontline policing and specialist investigative interviewing experience to new role
David Horn was a driving force in transforming investigative interviewing in the United Kingdom and beyond, and his contributions have left a strong mark on the pursuit of justice.
He began his career in law enforcement, rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent.
In the newly created role, Kempshall will provide a practitioner voice within Davidhorn and work with strategic partners to advance professional standards, practical capability and the adoption of effective investigative interviewing internationally. He will also provide specialist advice to the company’s product and wider teams, bringing an operational policing perspective to the development of technology, equipment and infrastructure designed to support investigators. He will work closely with Davidhorn’s Chief Scientific Adviser, bringing together frontline practitioner experience and scientific expertise.
Kempshall joins following a 25-year policing career spanning frontline operations, major investigations, specialist interviewing, training and international capacity building.
Beginning his career in uniform, he spent eight years undertaking roles including public order policing, specialist search and emergency response before transferring to The Metropolitan Police and becoming a detective. He subsequently spent a decade specialising in counter terrorism working in a number of roles in the metropolitan Police SO15 – counter terrorism command.
Investigative interviewing has been a particular focus throughout his detective career. As well as conducting interviews in rape, complex crime, terrorism, homicide and police discipline investigations, he has worked as an interview adviser, developing and coordinating interview strategies for complex cases. His expertise has also been called upon internationally, delivering training to help overseas law enforcement agencies.
More recently, Kempshall has been the force lead for investigative interviewing in the Metropolitan Police, heading up both training and practical delivery for suspect interviews.
Børge Hansen, CEO at Davidhorn, said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to Davidhorn. His appointment reflects our commitment not only to developing the technology and infrastructure that supports investigative interviewing, but to contributing meaningfully to the advancement of professional practice and standards globally.
“His 25 years of operational policing experience, combined with his exceptional expertise in investigative interviewing, will bring an invaluable practitioner perspective to our organisation.
“Our ambition is to work alongside law enforcement agencies and strategic partners to help strengthen investigative interviewing capability around the world. Richard shares that ambition, which will make him an important addition to our team.”
Richard Kempshall added: “After 25 years in policing, this exciting role gives me an opportunity to take the experience and knowledge I have developed throughout my career and apply it on a much broader international stage.
“Investigative interviewing is something I care deeply about. Done well, it can improve the quality of investigations, strengthen officer capability and contribute to a more ethical and effective justice system.”