Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation - The Different Techniques Used by the Police to Interview an Eyewitness During an Investigation

Extract

[...] Afterwards, they change order and perspective, because it has been proved that someone who lies will eventually fall into the trap if he is asked to recall events backwards for example and then in a chronological order again. To me, the example of DI Bullet's interviews clearly shows that it is a mistake to use leading questions as much as he does. Indeed, not only does it influence the witnesses, but it may also lead them to create false memories. Moreover, the speed he uses to speak is quite stressful, I think. He seems in a hurry to hear exactly what he wants to hear from the witnesses, no matter what the truth is. [...]

[...] Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation - The Different Techniques Used by the Police to Interview an Eyewitness During an Investigation This week's course focuses on the different techniques used by the police when they have to interview an eyewitness during an investigation. After having explained the different types of questions and behaviours, a detective can use in order to deal with a criminal case before it comes to court, I will compare DI Bullet's and DS Sund's approach and show that to me, the latter one seems a lot more relevant and useful. [...]

[...] Besides, this is, to me, an important point about the relevance of such an interview: indeed, using therapeutic techniques like the ones psychiatrists use for example will help witnesses to recover, if necessary, from the trauma they have experienced. To conclude, looking for the truth in a criminal case is quite complex as far as interviewing witnesses is concerned. I'm looking forward to reading next week's course about the psychology of face recognition, because as far as I am concerned, I am a lot better for example at remembering sounds than at recalling faces I saw. [...]