A critical analysis of the characteristics and conduct of forensic interviewers

The success of a forensic investigative interview is dependent upon the interaction between the interviewer and interviewee. If an interviewer lacks the requisite knowledge and experience in interviewing techniques and employs inappropriate tactics, it leaves the interviewee vulnerable to providing inaccurate information. Focusing on the Reid technique, this integrative literature review examines the importance of proficient interview training and highlights interviewers’ critical characteristics for successful interviews: elevated cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and openness and agreeableness personality factors consistently portray statistically significant results. Furthermore, a substantial emphasis is placed on interviewers recognizing that individuals with dispositional vulnerabilities, including those with certain personality traits, cognitive disabilities, and mental disorders, are increasingly susceptible to false confessions and must adjust their interviewing style accordingly. The negative implications of police-induced situational pressures are also introduced concerning those with and without diminished capacity. Illustrating the tangible nature of improper police conduct (i.e. persuasion and coercion, tunnel vision) and the consequences that stem from such behaviour, two case studies are outlined and compared. This thesis delves into the underlying intentions and objectives behind interviewers employing coercive and inappropriate conduct to obtain a confession. Hence, three recommendations are advocated for interviewers to adopt throughout interviews and interrogations, with the aim of eliminating false confessions. These recommendations include managing tunnel vision, employing strategic questioning and prioritizing rapport building.