NCJ Number
159555
Date Published
1994
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Despite the obvious importance of eyewitness evidence, police receive inadequate training in the conduct of effective interviews with cooperative eyewitnesses.
Abstract
Police officers typically learn to conduct eyewitness interviews by either observing, emulating the style of senior police officers, or using trial and error methods. Cognitive interview techniques represent a useful approach when police officers interview eyewitnesses, but research in developing the cognitive interview is still in its infancy. The cognitive interview can enhance memory but only in certain conditions. More research is needed to refine cognitive interview techniques and to expand and define their domain of effectiveness. Tests involving the cognitive interview and practical applications of cognitive interview techniques are noted, as well as legal challenges to the use of the cognitive interview in enhancing eyewitness recollection. 52 references and 3 tables