Police interviewers’ interviewing experiences with suspects: the interpersonal process of evidence disclosure

The scope of the study was to qualitatively explore how police interviewers in Norway experience the interpersonal aspects of disclosing potential evidence during suspect interviews. Specifically, we aimed to explore what the participants experienced as required by them on an interpersonal level to carry out an appropriate evidence disclosure process, what challenges that may arise in maintaining rapport, and how these challenges can be handled. Data were collected through four focus group interviews of police investigators (n=29) and analysed using thematic analysis that resulted in four main themes: (1) Importance of preparation and being confident in the police interviewer role, (2) Being flexible and adaptable as key skills to managing various situations, changes, and unforeseen events, (3) Managing the transition from information-gathering to challenging the suspect’s account, and (4) Exploring the interviewees’ resistance and handling their own reactions. The findings are discussed in relation to current theory and research, with an emphasis on the importance of police interviewers’ ability to adapt to changes in circumstances and suspects behaviours during investigative interviews.