Science Based Interviewing: An Ethical Approach to Law Enforcement Interrogations

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Modern Policing: Challenges, Innovations, and Recommendations for Change

Abstract

United States law enforcement and military interrogations have historically relied on techniques that, while effective in eliciting confessions, often raise ethical concerns and risk false admissions. This presentation introduces Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) as a principled and empirically grounded alternative that prioritizes accuracy, transparency, and respect for human rights. The origins of SBI trace back to the creation of the multi-agency High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG) in 2010. Research conducted by the HIG led to the development of the SBI approach, which integrates evidence-based practices from cognitive, social, and forensic psychology to enhance the reliability of information gathering while minimizing coercion. The approach emphasizes rapport-building, open-ended questioning, and cognitive load techniques to assess veracity without resorting to deception or pressure. This talk reviews the theoretical underpinnings of SBI, contrasts it with traditional accusatorial models, and presents findings from recent studies demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world settings. Ethical implications are explored, particularly regarding the reduction of false confessions and the enhancement of procedural justice. By aligning investigative practices with scientific evidence and ethical standards, SBI offers a transformative path forward for modern law enforcement and military interrogations. Law enforcement programs in California have adopted SBI as the primary framework for interview instruction.

Author

• Thomas Joseph Ropel, Vanguard University