Contemporary Issues in Investigative Interviewing

Are we doing enough to equip our investigative interviewers?

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to ask that question to a group of major crimes detectives from New York and New Jersey as I partnered with my friend and colleague Dr. Susan Brandon to discuss contemporary issues facing investigative interviewers. This incredible discussion, hosted and championed by the New Jersey Regional Intelligence Academy, allowed our detectives to learn about the research that underpins effective and ethical interviewing techniques and provided them with an opportunity to describe the challenges they face in their efforts to obtain information from victims, witnesses, and suspects.

This was a great opportunity for two-way learning and just confirmed that we have to continuing pushing to get science-based, effective, and ethical techniques into the hands of those who need it the most. We look forward to working to ensure this curriculum is designed, delivered, and evaluated to ensure that change moves forward.