On 15-16 November 2021, a 2-day training session was held for the general inspection staff of the Ministry of Justice on investigative interviewing techniques and communication strategies for prisoners with emotional or mental health problems.

The general inspection staff frequently interact with prisoners with emotional or mental health problems, and being aware of the ways to approach and communicate with them, while protecting their needs, will foster more efficient investigations and help prevent human rights violations.  

The training programme included modules on the profile of prisoners with emotional and mental health problems, personal perceptions of prisoners with emotional or mental health problems and subjective barriers to communication, investigative interviewing techniques and prisoners’ participation in the investigation process. As a result, the general inspection staff and investigators are better equipped to communicate with the prisoners more effectively, while taking into account their emotional state, and obtain accurate and reliable information, with respect to their human rights and dignity.

This training is organised in the framework of the project “Enhancement of Human Rights and Health-Care Support to the Penitentiary System”. The Project is funded by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia.