RISK / SECURITY
Justice takes a memory trip
Justice can be a rickety structure when it relies solely on memory . New research is developing more reliable investigation and interview ‘ tools ’ to shore up this fundamental feature of the legal process .
W hen detectives in Dallas solved a 20-year cold murder case in early 2020 , the celebrations rippled across the Atlantic . Needing verifiable evidence connecting the suspect to multiple murders over many years , the detectives drew a comparatively new UK-developed interview technique into their approach to obtaining information from the suspect .
Called the Timeline Technique , this interview format moves away from the conventional question-and-answer approach and instead requires witnesses to complete a detailed timeline of events . The process reduces reliance by investigators on ‘ story ’ narratives that gloss over details and place a heavy burden on interviewees ’ memories and on the choice or nature of the questions asked . In empirical tests , the Timeline Technique has been found to elicit a more complete and accurate chronicle of events .
The Timeline Technique is part of an innovative set of interviewing and information elicitation tools developed in the UK and informed by psychological science . Another example is the ‘ selfadministered interview ’ ( SAI © ), developed by Lorraine Hope , a Professor of Applied Cognitive Psychology at the University of Portsmouth , with Fiona Gabbert ( Goldsmiths , University of London ) and Ron Fisher ( Florida International University ). The technique is essentially a set of structured questions that witnesses complete by themselves . It was designed to help police capture the immediate memories of eyewitnesses to incidents in public spaces , such as terrorist attacks or other mass incidents .
“ It prompts for all the details ,” explains Professor Hope . “ Then , it probes for information about the people who are involved , who else was present , were vehicles involved , what were the conditions under which you viewed , and so on .”
Professor Hope ’ s psychology research has come to have a direct impact , both in the UK and internationally , on how law enforcement now gathers evidence . It is an achievement recognised by the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group when it awarded her the 2019 Award for Academic Excellence .
It prompts for all the details . Then , it probes for information about the people who are involved , who else was present , were vehicles involved , what were the conditions under which you viewed , and so on .
– Lorraine Hope
SUPPORTING WITNESSES Professor Hope ’ s work addresses realworld challenges relating to “ memory at the sharp end ”, when witnesses – including victims , emergency services personnel and passers-by – have critical information needed by law enforcement .
“ Memory is not like a video recorder ,” she points out . “ Physical and psychological demands take their toll on a person ’ s cognitive resources – as well as factors
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ISSUE 02 / 2021
ILLUSTRATION : SHUTTERSTOCK