This Brief Introductory Guide on investigative interviewing aims to give police officers an effective tool and the knowledge and skills needed to apply that tool in the course of their investigations. It is informed by modern scientific research as to what works and by the real-life experiences of expert practitioners, operating to the highest professional standards within the framework of the European Code of Police Ethics.

The primary focus of the Guide is the questioning of suspects that is any individual in connection with his or her involvement, or suspected involvement in a crime. While the purpose of each category of interview may vary somewhat, all interviews share the same key objective of amassing accurate, dependable and comprehensive information which will help to bring the true offender to justice. Therefore, most of the material contained within this guide will also apply to interviewing victims and witnesses as it sets our principles and best practices in investigative interviewing.

Other considerations which should be foremost in the investigator’s mind when interviewing, are the special, additional steps and safeguards which must be taken when dealing with vulnerable, disadvantaged and juvenile interviewees.