Interviewing by Law Enforcement Officials: The Need for an International Regulatory Framework and the Form This Might Take

摘要

This article acknowledges the important role of policing and the essential element of interviewing suspects during investigations. Despite the prohibition of torture there are frequent reports of breaches and these are often interview-related. International law is weak in this sphere and despite calls for strengthening no change has occurred. This article proposes a new non-treaty international instrument specifically aimed at regulating investigative interviews and a draft is offered. Whilst this does not guarantee protection, if adopted it is likely to discourage and reduce the incidence of torture, remove opportunity and provide for greater accountability.