Emotional intelligence in police interviews: approach, training and the usefulness of the concept

In police investigative interviews, investigators may encounter interviewees who are experiencing a wide range of emotional states that must be accommodated and managed to elicit information about a given event. The aim of this study was to explore how the theoretical concept of emotional intelligence may be of value in describing investigators’ management of emotion in interviews. First, we define emotional intelligence in the context of investigative interviewing, emphasising empathy and emotion regulation. Then, we present four key considerations for training interviewers in managing emotions. The implications of implementing the concept of emotional intelligence in investigative interviewing are discussed.