In the shadowy corridors of crime fiction, the image of a police detective grilling a suspect in a dimly lit room often makes for gripping drama. However, the reality of preparing for an interview is far removed from the oppressive and argumentative tactics we’ve come to expect from our favourite detective stories. Let’s step into the shoes of Detective Constable (DC) Kirby from the Chichester Crime Mysteries as he gears up for an interview that’s grounded in fact, not fiction.
First and foremost, DC Kirby begins with a deep dive into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence. He must know the legal defintion of the offence the detained person was arrested for and the points they must prove to meet that definition. This isn’t the cursory glance of a detective pressed for time, as often depicted in novels and films. Instead, it’s a thorough understanding and review where every piece of evidence, from the slightest fingerprint to the most inconsequential alibi, is scrutinised. It’s here that the first thread of fiction unravels; real detectives don’t rely on sudden flashes of intuition but on the detailed understanding of the evidence, including forensics, witness statements, perhaps mobile phone data, CCTV, and so on.
With the groundwork laid, DC Kirby prepares for the interview, guided by the PEACE interviewing method.
P – Preparation and planning
E – Engage and explain
A – Account
C – Closure
E – Evaluation
Contrary to the confrontational and oppressive questioning favoured in crime dramas, PEACE promotes a more respectful and effective approach. It starts with Preparation and Planning, where DC Kirby meticulously outlines the interview’s objectives, starkly contrasting to the erratic, spur-of-the-moment questioning that often makes for dramatic fiction.
As we transition to the Engage and Explain phase, the tone is set not for confrontation but for communication. DC Kirby is not the argumentative interrogator, looming menacingly over a suspect. Instead, they engage in a dialogue, explaining the process and ensuring that the suspect is aware of their rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), a detail frequently glossed over or misrepresented in fiction.
The Account phase in fiction often features a battle of wits, with the police officer cornering the suspect into a confession through aggressive tactics. However, DC Kirby knows that the goal is to elicit a truthful and accurate account, not to intimidate or coerce. Questions are open-ended, designed to encourage the suspect to narrate their version of events rather than the accusatory and leading questions favoured by their fictional counterparts. In the account phase, the officer will seek to clarify points of the suspect’s account and challenge and probe in fine detail if necessary. This process may often loop around until every point of the suspect’s account has been covered.
In the case of a “No comment” interview, which is the suspect’s right, the investigator merely needs to go through the points to prove the offence. If the suspect doesn’t want to answer those questions in the interview, then they may not be believed if they choose to answer them later in court.
In crime fiction, closure often comes with a dramatic confession or a sudden twist. Yet, in reality, DC Kirby seeks clarity and completeness, summarising the discussion and addressing any inconsistencies calmly and methodically. There’s a chance for the suspect to correct any misunderstandings the interviewer may have and ask questions. There’s no grandstanding or last-minute revelations, just the meticulous pursuit of truth.
Finally, the Evaluation phase — seldom mentioned in detective dramas — allows DC Kirby to reflect on the interview’s effectiveness, determine whether further action is necessary, and determine how the interviewee’s account fits the rest of the investigation.
As DC Kirby steps out of the interview room, the contrast between fact and fiction becomes clear. The real-world interview is devoid of oppressive tactics, argumentative exchanges, and the theatrics that define crime fiction. Instead, it’s a disciplined, respectful, and methodical process where the search for truth is paramount, and the integrity of the investigation is never compromised for the sake of drama.
Ultimately, the preparation and conduct of an interview are governed by a commitment to justice, adherence to legal standards, and respect for the human elements involved. It’s a narrative less about the dramatic flair of detective fiction and more about the nuanced, challenging, and ultimately rewarding reality of police work.