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Perceptions of portuguese law enforcement officers about their interviewing practices

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Summary:Given the pivotal role of witness testimony in criminal proceedings, effective investigative interviewing is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable evidence collection. Evidence-based models such as the Cognitive Interview (CI) emphasise openness, accuracy, and procedural fairness. This study examined Portuguese police officers’ knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported use of CI techniques through a mixed-methods approach. A total of 333 officers completed a comprehensive self-report questionnaire assessing their familiarity with, and application of, various CI components, as well as their broader interviewing practices. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed a marked preference for simpler, more intuitive CI elements (e.g., rapport-building, uninterrupted account), and limited knowledge of more cognitively demanding techniques (e.g., change temporal order, change perspective). While conceptual understanding of key CI components—particularly mental reinstatement of context—was generally weak, many officers demonstrated adherence to recommended practices in the interview’s introductory phase, including procedural explanations and rapport-building. Despite reporting limited access to CI training, officers widely perceived it as useful and expressed strong interest in continued professional development and formal guidance documents. These findings underscore the need for structured, ongoing training in evidence-based interviewing techniques. This study represents a critical contribution to the investigative interviewing literature in Portugal and highlights promising avenues for institutional improvement, supported by the receptivity of officers to enhanced training.
Main Authors:Pinheiro, Samuel Alexandre de Sousa Santos
Subject:Investigative Interview Cognitive Interview Police Perceptions Portuguese Law Enforcement Entrevista Investigativa Entrevista Cognitiva Perceções Policiais Agências Policiais Portuguesas
Year:2025
Country:Portugal
Document type:master thesis
Access type:embargoed access
Associated institution:Ispa-Instituto Universitário
Language:English
Origin:Repositório do Ispa - Instituto Universitário

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