Investigative interviewing is a crucial but complex aspect of police work. Although research has demonstrated that the PEACE interview model is effective with victims, witnesses, and suspects, the challenges can be intensified in interpreter-assisted interviews. This article reports police interviewers’ perceptions of interpreted investigative interviews in two Australian jurisdictions. Participants (N = 19) in semi-structured interviews included experienced police interviewers (NSW, n = 9; Tasmania, n = 7) and specialist advisors (NSW, n = 1; Tasmania, n = 2). Interview transcripts were analysed thematically and according to the phases of the PEACE model. Findings suggest a need for further guidance on rapport development in interpreter-assisted interviews and greater use of certain phases of the model. Challenges for police interviewers included a lack of certified interpreters in necessary languages and training-to-practice gaps in working with interpreters. This article documents innovative solutions to challenges reportedly used in practice and proposes a research agenda to develop evidence-based approaches that address identified challenges.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	PEACE interview model, investigative interviews, interpreters, policing policy and practice guidelines
Research Division:	Human Society
Research Group:	Criminology
Research Field:	Police administration, procedures and practice
Objective Division:	Law, Politics and Community Services
Objective Group:	Justice and the law
Objective Field:	Criminal justice
UTAS Author:	Howes, LM (Dr Loene Howes)
ID Code:	132750
Year Published:	2020 (online first 2019)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	2
Deposited By:	Office of the School of Social Sciences
Deposited On:	2019-05-20
Last Modified:	2021-04-28
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