Reforming Investigative Interviewing in Canada

Abstract

Investigative interviewing practices in Canada require substantive reform. Adult witness and victim interview training for Canadian police officers is often cursory, and suspect interview training is limited to the much-maligned Reid technique. This state of affairs is troublesome because interviewers may not be maximizing the quality and quantity of information that can be retrieved from interviewees. An inquisitorial interviewing method, known as PEACE, that is ethical and grounded in scientific research is outlined. Investigative interviewing reform can best be achieved through the implementation of a standardized national model that is based on PEACE and through increased practitioner–academic partnerships.