Trauma narratives: recommendations for investigative interviewing

In the investigation of a criminal event, the police may encounter witnesses or victims experiencing symptoms of being traumatized (e.g. anxiety, intrusive thoughts or avoidance of trauma-related stimuli). This may pose a challenge in investigative interviews where police interviewers aim to obtain...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychiatry, psychology, and law psychology, and law, 2020, Vol.27 (4), p.678-694
Main Authors: Risan, Patrick, Milne, Rebecca, Binder, Per-Einar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Avoidance behavior
Criminal investigation
Emotional responses
Evaluation
Interviewing
Interviews
investigative interview
Police
police interview
Psychic trauma
Psychological aspects
rapport
trauma
Traumatic incidents
traumatized interviewee
Victims
Victims of crimes
Witnesses
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Summary:In the investigation of a criminal event, the police may encounter witnesses or victims experiencing symptoms of being traumatized (e.g. anxiety, intrusive thoughts or avoidance of trauma-related stimuli). This may pose a challenge in investigative interviews where police interviewers aim to obtain reliable and detailed accounts. Based on previous theory and research, this theoretical paper aims to outline recommendations for police interviewers for approaching traumatized adult witnesses to facilitate communication, attend to the wellbeing of the individual and reach investigative aims. First, factors considered important for preparing for the interview and building rapport are presented. Then, different aspects of how to facilitate the interviewee's account will be described with an emphasis on how police interviewers can approach emotional reactions to maintain rapport.
ISSN:1321-8719
1934-1687
DOI:10.1080/13218719.2020.1742237