Challenges of a "Toolbox" Approach to Investigative Interviewing: A Critical Analysis of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) Phased Interview Model

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) implemented the Phased Interview Model in Canada and has argued that it is a novel and productive way to interview suspects. We applaud the RCMP for moving away from an accusatorial approach and recognize that the Phased Interview Model contains several science-based practices. In this article, however, we evaluate the Phased Interview Model critically. In particular, we present compelling empirical evidence that 3 fundamental practices (minimizing culpability, mischaracterizing evidence, and asking leading questions) in the Phased Interview Model put the truth-seeking function of police interviews at risk. We also explore the challenges inherent in combining accusatorial and information gathering techniques into a hybrid toolbox approach. We conclude that advocating for an interview protocol that contains dangerous or untested practices may hinder the RCMP's ability to achieve their purported goals of obtaining voluntary statements and accurate information.