Introduction
This essay critically examines the impact of the PEACE model on interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects within the criminal justice system. Introduced in the UK in 1992, the PEACE model—standing for Planning and Preparation, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure, and Evaluation—was developed to improve the quality and ethics of police interviewing following criticisms of earlier, often coercive, techniques. This piece will explore the model’s influence on interview outcomes and ethical standards, comparing it to alternative approaches such as the Reid Technique. By assessing its effectiveness in obtaining reliable information and ensuring fairness, the essay will argue that while the PEACE model offers significant improvements, it is not without limitations.
The PEACE Model: Overview and Implementation
The PEACE model emerged in response to high-profile miscarriages of justice in the UK during the 1980s, such as the cases involving the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six, where confessions were extracted through oppressive tactics (Gudjonsson, 2003). Unlike accusatory methods, PEACE adopts a conversational, non-confrontational approach. It prioritises rapport-building and encourages open-ended questioning to elicit detailed accounts from interviewees. Implemented through police training under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), the model aims to balance the need for information with the rights of the individual, whether they are a victim, witness, or suspect. This shift marked a significant departure from prior practices that often prioritised conviction over truth.
Impact on Interviewees and Effectiveness
The PEACE model has had a profound impact on how interviews are conducted. For victims and witnesses, the emphasis on rapport and supportive questioning fosters a safer environment, arguably increasing willingness to share accurate information. Research suggests that non-coercive methods reduce stress and improve recall (Milne and Bull, 2003). For suspects, PEACE minimises the risk of false confessions—a critical issue with earlier models—by avoiding intimidation or psychological manipulation. Studies indicate that PEACE-trained officers are less likely to use oppressive tactics, leading to more reliable outcomes (Walsh and Bull, 2012).
However, effectiveness varies in practice. Some officers struggle to fully implement PEACE due to time constraints or insufficient training, occasionally reverting to more directive questioning (Clarke and Milne, 2001). Furthermore, the model’s success often depends on the interviewee’s psychological state; vulnerable individuals may still feel pressured despite the model’s intentions. Compared to the Reid Technique, widely used in the US and based on confrontation and minimisation of guilt, PEACE generally yields more accurate information with fewer ethical concerns (Kassin et al., 2010). Yet, it may be less effective in time-sensitive investigations where quick results are prioritised over building rapport.
Ethical Considerations and Comparisons
Ethically, the PEACE model stands out as a more defensible framework. By focusing on fairness and voluntariness, it aligns with human rights principles enshrined in legislation like PACE 1984. Unlike the Reid Technique, which has been criticised for inducing false confessions through psychological coercion (Kassin et al., 2010), PEACE seeks to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold justice. Nevertheless, ethical challenges persist, particularly when officers misapply the model or when cultural or linguistic barriers hinder effective communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PEACE model has transformed police interviewing by prioritising ethics and reliability over coercion, significantly benefiting victims, witnesses, and suspects. Its conversational approach generally proves more effective and ethical than alternatives like the Reid Technique, though limitations in training and application remain. Future improvements could focus on enhanced training and adaptation to diverse interviewee needs. Ultimately, while PEACE represents a progressive step in criminology, its full potential requires consistent implementation and ongoing evaluation to address complex, real-world challenges.
References
- Clarke, C. and Milne, R. (2001) National Evaluation of the PEACE Investigative Interviewing Course. Home Office Research Study.
- Gudjonsson, G.H. (2003) The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions: A Handbook. Wiley.
- Kassin, S.M., Drizin, S.A., Grisso, T., Gudjonsson, G.H., Leo, R.A. and Redlich, A.D. (2010) Police-Induced Confessions: Risk Factors and Recommendations. Law and Human Behavior, 34(1), pp. 3-38.
- Milne, R. and Bull, R. (2003) Investigative Interviewing: Psychology and Practice. Wiley.
- Walsh, D. and Bull, R. (2012) Examining Rapport in Investigative Interviews with Suspects: Does Its Building and Maintenance Work? Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 27(1), pp. 73-84.
