The burden of proof of the Dutch police: Why the scenario model continues to deliver low‐quality child interviews
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Applied Cognitive Psychology
Abstract
In a recent paper (Otgaar et al., 2019), we reported on the first empirical investigation into the Scenario Model, an interview method used
by the Dutch police to interview alleged child victims of abuse. We
found that open prompts, known to elicit detailed and accurate statements in children, were rarely used. Based on our findings, we argued
that on this aspect of conducting child interviews (i.e., the types of
questions used), the Scenario Model needs improvement. Rispens
et al. (in press)—who developed and teach the Scenario Model—
commented on our findings and disagreed with our conclusion. It is a
positive sign that the Dutch police have joined the academic discussion on child investigative interviewing. In this reply, we will argue that
Rispens et al. have not used sound arguments to support their conclusion and that we stand by our position that Dutch child interviews
need improvement. We will discuss some issues of disagreement but
will also focus on topics that we agree on.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
forensic interview, Netherlands, International Resources, law enforcement, child abuse
Citation
Otgaar, H., de Ruiter, C., La Rooy, D., Horselenberg, R., Hershkowitz, I., & Geijsen, K. (2019). The burden of proof of the Dutch police: Why the scenario model continues to deliver low‐quality child interviews. Applied Cognitive Psychology.