Science-Based Interviewing — An Overview
What Is Science-Based Interviewing?
Modern police agencies will embrace Science-Based Interviewing, a research-backed approach that prioritizes truth over confessions. It replaces coercion and deception with rapport-building, open-ended questions, and the strategic use of evidence to get reliable information.
Getting the Truth, Not A Confession
Chasing confessions might feel satisfying, but it’s not the goal—getting to the truth is. Investigators should be objective fact-finders, not armchair prosecutors. Police agencies who hold themselves out to be principled and modern must use science-based methods that prioritize accuracy over pressure.
Training for Law Enforcement
The Science-Based Interviewing course teaches officers how to move beyond outdated, coercive tactics and instead use modern, evidence-based techniques. Whether it’s a suspect, victim, or witness, the focus is on getting accurate information through rapport-building and smart questioning.