Choice Architecture and Criminal Law Series - Choice Architecture in Police Investigations

Choice Architecture and Criminal Law Series –

Choice Architecture in Police Investigations:

Effective Interviews of Alleged Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Lunch talk presentation by Prof. Stacia Stolzenberg

Abstract: Allegations of child sexual abuse can be difficult to investigate and prosecute; typically, there is a lack of physical evidence and no eyewitnesses. As such, our ability to elicit accurate, complete, and consistent reports from suspected victims is essential for good legal decision-making. Because of this, researchers have devoted a lot of time and attention to understanding what investigative interviewing protocols should look like.

Drawing on the notion of choice architecture and the framing effect, this talk will highlight evidence-based best practices, as well as common challenges, in interviewing alleged victims of child sexual abuse. Topics will include the current state of research on: interview structure, ground rules/interview instructions, rapport building, narrative practice, eliciting a disclosure, the linguistic phrasing of questions, and avoiding suggestive influence. When interviewers use best practices, we have the greatest chance of understanding whether the allegation is credible, allowing us to take appropriate next steps to protect children, families, and the community.