The Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering or the "Méndez Principles" aim to modify police practices by replacing coercive interrogations with rapport-based interviews.

 

Based on science, law, and ethics, the Méndez Principles propose a concrete alternative to interrogation methods that rely on coercion to extract confessions. They improve the results of investigations, fully respect human rights and enhance trust in the State.

Six core principles

Principle 1

On foundations 
Effective interviewing is instructed by science, law and ethics.

 

Principle 2

On practice
Effective interviewing is a comprehensive process for gathering accurate and reliable information while implementing associated legal safeguards.

 

Principle 3

On vulnerability 
Effective interviewing requires identifying and addressing the needs of interviewees in situations of vulnerability.

Principle 4

On training 
Effective interviewing is a professional undertaking that requires specific training.

 

Principle 5

On accountability
Effective interviewing requires transparent and accountable institutions.

 

Principle 6

On implementation 
The implementation of effective interviewing requires robust national measures.

Testimonials

 

UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counterterrorism, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, explains how the Méndez Principles ensure the presumption of innocence and the pursuit of truth during counterterrorism investigations.

 

Eko Novan Prasetyo Puspito, Head of the Subdirectorate for Economic Crime in the Special Crimes Unit at the Metropolitan Police, Jakarta, Indonesia, shares his experience when he first learned about investigative interviewing and how it changed his perspective on solving cases.

The challenge today, he says, is to change the mindset of detectives so the focus is on gathering reliable evidence. This will also help build public trust and confidence in the police.

Latest articles
Resolutions and other references

How to support

You can join the wave of support to the new Principles

  • Express public support to the Méndez Principles
  • Disseminate and raise awareness about the Principles
  • Translate them into your national language