Scottish Government

ISBN 978 1 78045 591 4
DPPAS 12118

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Contents

ABBREVIATIONS

Ministerial Foreword

PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Investigative interviewing
The decision to carry out a joint investigative interview
Overview of the joint investigative interview process
Recording the interview

PART 2: PLANNING THE INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEW
Key points for planning
Purpose of the interview
Timing of the interview
Number and duration of interviews
What consent is needed?
The lead and second interviewers (including switching roles)
The presence of a 'support person' at interview
Interview that does not produce relevant information

PART 3: CONDUCTING THE JOINT INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEW
Implications of visual recording for conducting the interview
Immediately pre-interview
The phases of the interview
Introductions and explaining purpose
Interview atmosphere
Interview principles
Telling the truth
Rapport; establishing a 'child-centred' interview
Undertaking a practice interview
Raising topic of concern
Free narrative
Prompts
Questioning
Props
Closure
Action immediately afterwards: Creating the recording log
Debriefing and further interviews

PART 4: ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEED S
Disabilities and illnesses
Very young children
When the child's first language is not English
Ethnicity
Planning an interview for a child with additional support needs

PART 5: COMPLICATING FACTORS
When the child witness becomes a suspect
Multiple witnesses/suspects
Institutional abuse
Children who may have been coached before interview
Children trafficked or refugee/unaccompanied asylum seeking children
Lengthy time-lapse
Family and community loyalty

PART 6: USE OF AND AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR VISUAL RECORDINGS
Handling and copying recordings
Points of principle
Practice to be followed
Requests to view recordings
Viewing of recordings
Precognition
Copies of recordings held by other agencies
Family life concerns
Use of recordings by the Children's Reporter
Adjudication
Using the recordings for other child protection purposes or other court proceedings
Transcription
Using recordings in court

PART 7: REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Reviews of the literature
Scottish legislation
Scottish policy documents
Scottish guidance
Research and review reports
England and Wales guidance

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Quick Guide: Conducting the investigative interview
APPENDIX B: Briefing and Debriefing - role of Supervisors and Managers
APPENDIX C: Benefits of visually recording the interview
APPENDIX D Information leaflet on consent
APPENDIX E: Consent form
APPENDIX F: Accommodation and technical specification
APPENDIX G: Restricted Media handling and storage