„Psychological features of contact in interviews with criminal suspects“, No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0216

Project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0216              
Project title: „Psychological features of contact in interviews with criminal suspects”
Project duration: from 2020-09-01 to 2022-08-31
Postdoctoral trainee – dr. Aleksandras Izotovas
Postdoctoral supervisor – prof. dr. Rita Bandzevičienė

Summary. The aim of a post-doctoral traineeship is to obtain statements and information relevant to the investigation of a crime from an interviewee. Establishing and maintaining contact is one of the essential components of interviews in a criminal investigation. In the context of a criminal investigation, rapport is defined as a relationship between the officer and the interviewee, based on respect and mutual understanding of each other’s needs and objectives, which can increase the likelihood of obtaining information relevant to the (case). The proper establishment of psychological contact with the suspect is emphasised in foreign practical guidelines for law enforcement officers. The aim of the study is to examine the psychological factors of establishing psychological contact with a suspect that affect the effectiveness of testimony in a criminal investigation. The study is relevant in both the Lithuanian and international contexts for several reasons: 1) the emphasis on establishing contact in criminal interviews is in line with ethical, humane and human rights standards; 2) there is a lack of research on psychological factors in criminal interviews in Lithuania; 3) the significance of this research in the context of the prevalence of transnational crime and the threat of terrorism; and 4) there is no clear consensus in the research conducted to date on the importance of contact making (in crime investigation contexts) as to which factors are more and which factors are less important in predicting the success of interviews. Insufficient attention is paid to individual factors (e.g. personal characteristics of the interviewee), and how good rapport building determines the distinction between truthful and false statements.

Result to be achieved: 3 articles are planned to be submitted to peer-reviewed international and Lithuanian scientific journals. The results of the research will be presented in at least 3 international and Lithuanian scientific conferences. This research would make a significant contribution to the existing knowledge of psychology in the field of crime investigation interviewing..

The project is financed by the European Social Fund under measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of scientific competence of scientists, other researchers, students through practical scientific activities” activity “Promotion of post-doctoral internships”. Grant agreement with the Lithuanian Research Council (LMT).