Report Summarizes Psychology Crime and Law Study Findings from Florida International University (A Survey of Us Police On-the-scene and Station Witness Interviews and Recording Practices).

A study conducted by researchers at Florida International University aimed to examine the knowledge and use of empirically-informed interviewing recommendations among U.S. police officers. The study found that there was a lack of specific training in witness/victim interviewing, with a disproportionate focus on suspect interviewing. However, many recommended techniques were reportedly used frequently, particularly by officers who had received training in cognitive interviewing. The study also found that a significant number of interviews involved multiple interviewers and interviewees, and that the duration of at-the-station interviews was longer than on-the-scene interviews. The majority of interviews were electronically recorded. Overall, the findings suggest that while some recommended techniques are being utilized, there is still a need for improved training in witness/victim interviewing. [Extracted from the article]