Are we where we should be? Assessing investigative interviewing practices and training of officers in the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force

Abstract

In the criminal justice system, investigative interviewing is crucial for getting information that helps law enforcement agencies resolve cases. While there is a relative wealth of scholarly studies on investigative interviewing procedures in the West, there is a paucity of empirical research assessing this concept in Nigeria and Africa. To begin to fill this gap in literature, a paper and pen questionnaire was administered to Police Investigators (N = 64) in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force assessing their investigative interviewing practices and training. Results showed that some police officers had received some training, but only a few had been specifically trained on evidence-based investigative interviewing techniques. Most police officers reported not favouring coercive techniques in their practices. Implications of this study on investigative interviewing practices in Nigeria will be discussed.