Managing Interrogative Pressure in Police Interviews

Abstract

Use of various ’ pressure tactics' in police interviews has sometimes been thought necessary, especially when officers have reason to believe that a witness or suspect is hostile or deceitful. However, defence counsel are increasingly likely to challenge evidence on the grounds that transcripts and videotapes of interviews suggest that it has been obtained by objectionable, pressurising methods. This article reviews recent work showing how certain types of interviewer style may vary interrogative pressure (IP). It is argued that the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales (GSS) provide a simple but effective test of IP. Use of the GSS in police interviewer training can provide officers with a means to monitor and control the levels of IP which they apply in interviews and reduce the likelihood that they will inadvertently apply inappropriate IP.