Protecting eyewitness evidence: Examining the efficacy of a self-administered interview tool

Given the crucial role of eyewitness evidence, statements should be obtained as soon as possible after an incident. This is not always achieved due to demands on police resources. Two studies trace the development of a new tool, the Self-Administered Interview (SAI), designed to elicit a comprehensive initial statement. In Study 1, SAI participants reported more correct details than participants who provided a free recall account, and performed at the same level as participants given a Cognitive Interview. In Study 2, participants viewed a simulated crime and half recorded their statement using the SAI. After a delay of 1 week, all participants completed a free recall test. SAI participants recalled more correct details in the delayed recall task than control participants

One way or another? Criminal investigators' beliefs regarding the disclosure of evidence in interviews with suspects in England and Wales

The research base concerning interviews with suspects remains to be comprehensively developed. For example, the extant literature provides differing views regarding how best to undertake the important interview task of disclosing evidence. In the current study, using a self-report questionnaire, 224 investigators based in England and Wales were asked as to their own preferred methods. Most respondents advocated a gradual method of disclosing evidence, stating that this approach would better reveal inconsistencies and obtain a complete version of events (similar to the reasoning of those who preferred disclosing evidence later). Those who advocated revealing evidence early stated this approach would more likely elicit confessions. Several respondents would not commit to one single method, arguing that their chosen strategy was contextually dependent. The study’s findings suggest that it remains arguable as to whether there is one best approach to evidence disclosure and/or whether particular circumstances should influence interviewing strategies

What People Believe about How Memory Works: A Representative Survey of the U.S. Population

Incorrect beliefs about the properties of memory have broad implications: The media conflate normal forgetting and inadvertent memory distortion with intentional deceit, juries issue verdicts based on flawed intuitions about the accuracy and confidence of testimony, and students misunderstand the role of memory in learning. We conducted a large representative telephone survey of the U.S. population to assess common beliefs about the properties of memory. Substantial numbers of respondents agreed with propositions that conflict with expert consensus: Amnesia results in the inability to remember one's own identity (83% of respondents agreed), unexpected objects generally grab attention (78%), memory works like a video camera (63%), memory can be enhanced through hypnosis (55%), memory is permanent (48%), and the testimony of a single confident eyewitness should be enough to convict a criminal defendant (37%). This discrepancy between popular belief and scientific consensus has implications from the classroom to the courtroom

Eyewitness Testimony in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to affect around 1% of the population, and is characterised by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavioural flexibility. A number of risk factors indicate that individuals with ASD may become victims or witnesses of crimes. In addition to their social and communication deficits, people with ASD also have very specific memory problems, which impacts on their abilities to recall eyewitnessed events. We begin this review with an overview of the memory difficulties that are experienced by individuals with ASD, before discussing the studies that have specifically examined eyewitness testimony in this group and the implications for investigative practice. Finally, we outline related areas that would be particularly fruitful for future research to explore

Perceptions and profiles of interviews with interpreters: A police survey

Moston, SJ ORCiD: 0000-0002-5231-9713Policing organisations across the developed world increasingly need language interpreters to communicate with non-native speaking people. Little research has investigated police perceptions of using interpreter services, despite their growing need, documented concerns and lack of a widely accepted best practice. A survey of 413 police officers documented interpreted interviews in Australia and assessed police perceptions of those interviews. Interviews carried out by police included a higher number of suspect interviews and interviews via telephone interpreters. Cases more often involved sexual assault, assault and domestic violence. Indigenous people, victims and witnesses were identified as potentially vulnerable to not being provided interpreters. Police views on the use of interpreting services were generally positive; however, length of interviews, cost and inadequate training were identified as potential deterrents. Implications for police are discussed, as are ways to reduce negative police perceptions, create informed guidelines and improve interpreting service use

Perceptions and profiles of interviews with interpreters: A police survey

Policing organisations across the developed world increasingly need language interpreters to communicate with non-native speaking people. Little research has investigated police perceptions of using interpreter services, despite their growing need, documented concerns and lack of a widely accepted best practice. A survey of 413 police officers documented interpreted interviews in Australia and assessed police perceptions of those interviews. Interviews carried out by police included a higher number of suspect interviews and interviews via telephone interpreters. Cases more often involved sexual assault, assault and domestic violence. Indigenous people, victims and witnesses were identified as potentially vulnerable to not being provided interpreters. Police views on the use of interpreting services were generally positive; however, length of interviews, cost and inadequate training were identified as potential deterrents. Implications for police are discussed, as are ways to reduce negative police perceptions, create informed guidelines and improve interpreting service use

Prosecutors\u27 perceptions of the utility of \u27relationship\u27 evidence in sexual abuse trials

For successful prosecution of sex offences, defined elements that comprise each charge (such as the acts that occurred and offenders&rsquo; identities) need to be established beyond reasonable doubt. This study explored the potential benefit (from a prosecution perspective) of eliciting another type of evidence; evidence regarding the relationship between the victim and perpetrator that may explain the victim&rsquo;s responses. Fourteen prosecutors representing every major Australian jurisdiction participated in individual interviews or a focus group where they were asked to reflect on the perceived relevance of relationship evidence in sex offence trials, and the potential impact of this evidence on court process and outcomes. All prosecutors gave strong support for the premise of including relationship evidence in victim and witness statements, as well as in suspect interviews; however, this type of evidence was not routinely being included in interviews or admitted in trials. The majority of the discussion centred on:(a) the benefits and prevalence of eliciting relationship evidence; (b) how relationship&nbsp;evidence is best elicited in police interviews; and (c) challenges in presenting relationship&nbsp;evidence at trial. Each of these areas, their practical implications and directions for future&nbsp;research are briefly discussed.</div