Every successful investigation hinges on the quality, reliability, and admissibility of witness evidence. In this focused, 60-minute operational webinar, policing practitioners will sharpen their investigative interviewing skills—moving beyond basic statement-taking to apply structured PEACE framework techniques, cognitive recall strategies, and trauma-informed questioning that withstands courtroom scrutiny.
Why Join the Course
- Built for Operational Reality: Designed for fast-paced policing schedules—gain practical questioning frameworks, rapport-building techniques, and statement-structuring tips in just one hour.
- Aligned with National Standards: Reinforces College of Policing PEACE principles and Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) guidance, ensuring your witness accounts remain uncontaminated and legally robust.
- Maximize Memory Recall: Learn how to use TED prompts (Tell, Explain, Describe) and free-narrative techniques to elicit richer, more accurate detail without inadvertently leading the witness.
- Navigate Complex & Reluctant Witnesses: Practical strategies for assessing vulnerability, overcoming witness reluctance or fear, and identifying when Registered Intermediaries or Special Measures are required.
Why It Matters
A witness’s initial account often makes or breaks a prosecution. Poorly structured questioning, premature interruptions, or leading prompts can permanently contaminate memory, undermine witness credibility at trial, and lead to avoidable case discontinuances.
By mastering structured, empathetic witness interviewing, officers and investigators capture cleaner primary evidence at the earliest opportunity—strengthening CPS charging decisions, reducing witness attrition, and delivering stronger justice outcomes.
Who Should Attend
This webinar is tailored specifically for serving police officers, police staff, and investigative practitioners, including:
- Response and Neighborhood Policing officers conducting initial witness accounts and MG11 statements
- Trainee detectives, PIP Level 1 and Level 2 investigators, and CID officers
- Public Protection Unit (PPU), Domestic Abuse, and Sexual Offense investigators
- Police staff investigators, Volume Crime teams, and Roads Policing officers
- Sergeants and supervisory officers reviewing case files and evidential quality
Learning Objectives
By the end of this 60-minute session, attendees will be able to:
- Structure Interviews Using PEACE: Apply the five-phase PEACE framework effectively to plan, engage, obtain an uncontaminated account, close, and evaluate witness evidence.
- Deploy Effective Questioning Funnels: Transition smoothly from open TED prompts to targeted 5WH probing while avoiding leading, multiple, or forced-choice questions.
- Assess Vulnerability & Support Needs: Identify intimidated, vulnerable, or reluctant witnesses early and determine when ABE video-recorded interviews, Special Measures, or intermediaries are warranted.
- Produce Court-Ready Evidential Records: Capture accurate, chronological, and detailed accounts that cover key points to prove and withstand cross-examination.
