Managing interviews in high-stake crime cases: practice guidance for developing suspect interview strategies using a LOST WEBSITES framework

Purpose – High stakes crime investigations include cases such as murder and rape. The purpose of the current paper is to outline the components of an interview strategy for suspects. In the UK these interviews are often managed by Interview Managers who are tasked with developing effective interview strategies with the aim of ensuring all parties involved in the interview process are dealt with ethically and legally using research-based methods.

Design/methodology/approach – This practitioner paper is based on the experience of the authors who have provided advice and support during high stake crime investigations both nationally and internationally utilising the research-base to underpin their practical advice.

Findings – In order to be effective a suspect strategy constructed by an Interview Manager in high stakes crime investigations should be designed within a Framework that covers the provision of strategic advice on research-based interview processes including: (i) co-ordination of the interview process (ii) monitoring of the interview process and (iii) evaluation of the interview process.
Practical implications – In order to ensure interviews are effectively managed during high stake crime investigations, the suspect interview strategy must be developed to a professional standard in order to allow for quality assurance and outside scrutiny.

Originality/value – This is the first published paper that outlines the nature of a suspect strategy that is based on a Framework consistent with elements of the UK National Occupational Standards.