The feasibility and practicability of police training: Investigative interviewers' perceptions towards coaching

Abstract

Purpose

Although there is an international consensus concerning how police investigative interviews should be adequately and reliably conducted, daily police interview practices are still rather poor. It is hypothetically assumed that this may be caused by unsatisfactory interview training programmes. The purpose of this paper is to focus on a new type of interviewing training, the individual coaching project, where interpersonal interview competences are being defined and optimised.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon previous studies, this paper reflects the outcome of an elaborate process concentrated on exploring new investigative interview training opportunities. In addition the interviewer's perceptions of feedback and mentoring were evaluated in order to study the feasibility and practicability of the individual coaching project.

Findings

Results showed that 72 per cent of the participating interviewers were very eager about their project participation. Almost all interviewers thought the coaching project was very worthwhile and instructive, and believed they really developed and optimised their interview skills.

Originality/value

The present paper innovatively contributes to the current discussion concerning investigative interviewing and training by concentrating and defining the role and necessity of ongoing feedback. Moreover this paper concentrates on the content of this new training project, which can be of high interest for the daily police interview practices.

Citation

Smets, L. and Pauwels, C. (2010), "The feasibility and practicability of police training: Investigative interviewers' perceptions towards coaching", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 664-680. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639511011085079