Scientists Develop New Tool To 'Freeze' Crime Scene Memories
from Inventors and Remarkable People (106 articles)
Scientists Develop New Tool To 'Freeze' Crime Scene Memories
Image Gallery ( 3 images )“Overall, research and experience suggests that using a cognitive approach to interviewing witnesses increases the quality, accuracy and completeness of the information obtained.
“Furthermore, the use of cognitive techniques do not impact on subsequent witness credibility in court.
“The SAI incorporates the ‘context reinstatement’ and ‘report everything’ elements of cognitive interview protocol. Early stage development of the SAI focused on creating a simple set of written instructions and questions that could easily be understood by witnesses. All instructions were carefully tested to ensure potential witnesses understand exactly what is required of them when provided with the tool.
“The next stage for the researchers is to continue with further testing of the tool in different settings and circumstances. Developing a more high tech version of the SAI is also on the researchers’ agenda.
“The current format - requiring witnesses to complete the SAI form by hand - may be a limiting factor for some witnesses with literacy difficulties. Another issue under consideration is how the evidentiary status of information recorded using an SAI form might be established.
“Depending on the nature any implementation of the SAI, it will be important to maximise the reliability and credibility of the witness reports recorded using the SAI within the legal system. As it stands, the SAI will maximise the control police have over the initial brief interview and enable the best information possible to be obtained as soon as possible at the scene or shortly afterwards - witnesses are also more likely to be sure of their report so soon after the event rather than after a delay.
