Oral Presentation: Rapport in suspect interviews: Perceptions and insights of Lithuanian criminal investigators

Title: Rapport in suspect interviews: Perceptions and insights of Lithuanian criminal investigators

Abstract:

Building and maintaining rapport is considered as paramount to a successful investigative interview of witness or suspect. The aim of this study was to examine perceptions of rapport of Lithuanian law enforcement investigators when interviewing suspects. Specifically, we were  interested what techniques Lithuanian practitioners report they typically employ, situations they  consider the most beneficial to build rapport, and at what stage of the interview rapport is the  most important. Sixty-one investigators completed an online survey that contained open and  closed-ended questions. Responses to open questions were sorted into meaningful categories. It  was found that the majority of practitioners in Lithuania view rapport as important part to  successful interview. The techniques they reported as most commonly used were in line with  evidence-based literature, however, substantial number of mentioned techniques were related to  the account phase (e.g., report everything, presentation of evidence), or even maladaptive  behaviours (e.g., minimizations, bad/good cop). Additionally, respondents tended to more  emphasise the role of rapport early at the interview than at later stages of it. Practical  implications of the findings of the study will be discussed during the conference presentation.