Police interview training, cooperation with specialized units and the quality of forensic interviews in suspected cases of child sexual and physical abuse

Date

2021

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Helsinki

Abstract

Objectives: Children are often the only witnesses in cases of sexual or physical abuse against them, which is why the quality of child forensic interviews used in abuse investigations is of paramount importance. The present study examined the quality of child forensic interviews conducted by Finnish police officers. In addition, the effect of interview training participation and cooperation with forensic psychiatric investigative units was examined. Methods: The National Police Board of Finland granted a research permit for the present study. Transcribed child forensic interviews were requested from all police officers investigating alleged sexual or physical abuse against children. In addition, an online questionnaire was sent to each participating police officer. The total sample (n=27) consisted of 4,662 utterances that were coded into question types based on a researchbased coding system. The association between interview quality and interview training participation, and cooperation with specialized units and interview training was examined using multilevel modeling. Results: A majority of the police officers had participated in child forensic interview training. Police officers who had not attended child forensic interview training used significantly less facilitators. Police officers who reported cooperating with the forensic psychiatric investigative units used significantly more facilitators and directive utterances. Conclusions: This study shed light on the effectiveness of interview training and on the reported cooperation between police officers and forensic psychiatric investigative units. The results of this study indicate that both interview training participation and the cooperation with forensic psychiatric investigative units promotes the ability of police officers of being present for the child through facilitating the child’s narrative. The results can be utilized to motivate broader collaboration between authorities.

Description

Keywords

child forensic interview, police, oikeuspsykologia, research, International Resources, finland, child abuse

Citation

Snellman, V. (2021). Police interview training, cooperation with specialized units and the quality of forensic interviews in suspected cases of child sexual and physical abuse.

DOI