Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jana Price-Sharps

Abstract

Scholars and practitioners have provided substantial literature and research into the efficacy of investigative interviewing as a method of police interrogation that mitigates false confession and coercion. This quantitative study examined archival data on participant perceptions of investigative interviewing before and immediately following an investigative course. Three areas representing principles of investigative interviewing and police investigator perceptions were examined: Confession and evidentiary testimony, confirmation bias, and deception detection through body language observation. Participants included sworn law enforcement officers, either newly employed or on the path to becoming an investigator. There were 206 responses for both the pre-test and post-test surveys. A one-way ANOVA was chosen as the data collected in each survey were the responses to the 25 items related to the Investigative Interviewing course. This analysis examined police investigators’ perspectives on investigative interviewing, with results demonstrating either a lack of understanding of the course material or the predisposition to hold on to prior negative beliefs. The results indicated that participants were more likely to pursue confession and the idea that deception detection could be detected in non-verbal behaviors after the course. These perspectives contradict the principles that constitute investigative interviewing. Police administrators may utilize these findings for positive social change by modifying the course content and instruction approach.

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