The Méndez Centre is envisioned as a beacon for best practices in investigative interviewing, providing a platform for knowledge exchange among various professional sectors. This initiative underscores our mission to uphold human rights through the promotion of investigative interviewing.
Celebrating a milestone
The event marked a significant recognition of NCHR's pioneering work in collaboration with Norwegian and British law enforcement leaders and researchers working towards the implementation of the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering (the Méndez Principles). Attendees were introduced to this innovative hub that aims to change how public authorities conduct interviewing and promote a way of investigations that enhances the presence of human rights.
The launch event featured a range of distinguished speakers from law enforcement officers, psychologists, legal professionals, and other crucial stakeholders. The audience consisted of participants from various field, that in addition to Norwegian police, also included Icelandic and British police.
Replacing coercive interrogation methods
Grounded in science, law and ethics, the Principles propose concrete alternatives to interrogation methods that rely on coercion to extract confessions. They provide guidance on obtaining accurate and reliable information in full respect of the human rights and dignity of all, including through the implementation of legal and procedural safeguards in the first hours of police custody.
Key Topics Addressed
The launch was opened with opening remarks by the Head of NCHR’s International Department Knut D. Asplund, the Dean of Faculty of Law, Prof. Ragnhild H. Hennum and the Director of NORAD Bård Vegard Solhjell. Prof. Juan E. Méndez participated with his opening remarks in a pre-recorded speech.
- The launch of the Méndez Centre is just the beginning. We are committed to continuing our work in developing comprehensive programs, fostering international collaborations, and promoting human rights globally, says Knut D. Asplund, Head of NCHR International Department
Some of the key topics that were addressed was Comprehensive Training Programs and Tools highlighting efforts to implement the Méndez Principles through training and development. Prof. Dave Walsh, Chair of the ImpleMéndez project gave a comprehensive background to the project and the COST Action Programme, a European Cooperation initiative in Science and Technology supporting and facilitating research and innovation across Europe. The collaboration helps scientists and researchers enhance their work through shared ideas and resources. Prof. Walsh mentioned that a key part in the ImpleMéndez project is the launching of Méndez Centers. This launch, therefore, marks a key event in the implementation of the principles and the work towards ensuring that human rights are considered throughout the entire criminal investigation on a global scale.
Prof. Emily Alison gave a highly interesting lecture about why police should invest in better communication skills. This was followed by a lecture about Nordic-Baltic collaboration on investigative interviewing by Prof. Julia Korkman, Prof. Olafur Bragason. Korkman and Bragason urged the importance of collaboration in the Nordic and Baltic states on police training in line with the Mèndez principles.
Prof. Ray Bull, Prof. Becky Milne and Dr. Ivar Fahsing held a presentation about the effects of interviewing training on the target groups. Dr. Fahsing shared statistic from Norway indicating that Norwegian police to a large degree have incorporated an approach based on KREATIV (the Norwegian investigative interviewing model) in their criminal investigations.
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Further, a discussion on the current European situation and developments was led by Dr. Asbjørn Rachlew, Prof. Lennart May. Prof. Lennart gave examples from his work as an interview specialist in Germany that illustrated how challenging it is to make police refrain from applying undue pressure on vulnerable suspects, such as under-aged individuals.
Closing remarks was given by Gisle Kvanvig and Susanne Flølo from the NCHR, expressing gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. The event was closed with a round of applause as Prof. Dave Walsh officially launched the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights as the first ever Méndez Centre.