Effective and Human Rights-compliant Interviewing Principles: A Workshop for Police Academies Network
When
Where
Organized by
This workshop aims to raise awareness of members of the OSCE Police Academies Network (PAN) about the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering – also known as the Méndez Principles – and their relevance for law enforcement investigative work.
Based on rigorous science and experience of criminal investigators, the Méndez Principles provide guidance and solutions to law enforcement and other criminal justice actors on moving away from confession-based criminal justice systems, thereby reducing the risks of coercion, torture and ill-treatment.
The workshop participants will learn how they can benefit from the use of effective and human rights-compliant interviewing techniques and receive practical guidance on how police academies can incorporate such techniques into their training programmes.
Background
OSCE participating States have continuously reaffirmed the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, with no exceptional circumstances to be invoked as a justification of torture (Copenhagen 1990, Athens 2009, Budapest 1994, Vienna 1989). At the 27th OSCE Ministerial Council in Tirana in 2020, OSCE participating States pledged to “abandon and refrain from the use of interrogation techniques that constitute torture and ill-treatment” (MC Decision 7/20).
Why is it important?
The use of rapport-based interviewing techniques improves the effectiveness and fairness of information and intelligence gathered while protecting the inherent dignity and human rights of persons interviewed and enhancing public trust in law enforcement institutions. Considering that questioning during investigations is one of the primary functions of law enforcement and other authorities with investigative mandates, the Méndez Principles are of particular relevance for police officers.
Programme
The Head of OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU), Sami Ryhänen, will open the workshop, followed by Juan E. Méndez, Professor of Human Rights Law, after whom the Principles were named. Asbjørn Rachlew, Norwegian Police University College Guest Researcher, will highlight the benefits of non-coercive interviewing and then experts from the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights will lead an interactive exercise.
The workshop is intended for PAN members with different levels of experience and areas of expertise. It is not open for public participation.
This workshop is part of ODIHR’s ongoing work to assist participating States in the fight against torture.