Latest news with #ComplexInvestigationPhasedEngagementModel
NZ Herald
29-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Controversial CIPEM police interviewing technique under fire, IPCA recommends improvements
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has apologised after an independent report into a controversial interviewing technique deemed it 'manipulative and coercive'. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) review scrutinised the use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM). CIPEM was developed to crack cold cases by engaging suspects reluctant
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Scoop
IPCA Recommends Police Improve Investigative Interviewing Training
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has completed a review of the Police's use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) interviewing method and found that, although it was a laudable attempt to enhance officers' investigative interviewing skills, its implementation fell short in several respects. The Authority's review was prompted by criticism that arose after evidence in a murder case was ruled inadmissible in September 2021 and concerns were subsequently raised in the media. We also received several complaints. However, the review ultimately focused on examining the development and use of CIPEM, rather than tangential allegations of misconduct that could not be substantiated. The Authority found that CIPEM had a heavy focus on engagement skills and building rapport, which is consistent with international best practice. However, the normal processes for quality assurance and implementation of the training were not followed, and the model was not reviewed by an independent expert until about two and a half years after the training began. We reviewed five cases in which CIPEM-trained interviewers had been brought in to assist investigation teams. In two of the five cases, we found that the questioning itself departed from good practice and failed to comply with the Judges' Rules on Police Questioning. However, these failures were generally not integral to CIPEM and were due to poor practice and inadequate oversight. We also found that Police leadership should have done more to support the individual officers impacted by persistent media criticism and proactively correct the perception that CIPEM alone caused the downfall of the case in which evidence was ruled inadmissible. Police have taken steps to identify and address the problems they are experiencing with interviewing. A recent review has resulted in recommendations for improvement, including creating a new Manager of Investigative Interviewing role. The Authority recommends that Police proceed with establishing that role, which should focus among other things on improving investigative interviewing and engagement training and making it available to all staff; ensuring that the interviewing trainers have a high level of operational experience and excellent engagement skills; and developing training for interviewing suspects and hostile witnesses.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Scoop
Police Response To IPCA Report Into Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) Interviewing Method
Commissioner Richard Chambers: Police acknowledge and fully accept the findings and recommendations of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into Police's use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) interviewing method. The CIPEM interviewing programme was implemented in 2018 with the knowledge and support of the Police Executive, and the staff involved acted in good faith striving to improve an acknowledged gap in our interviewing capacity. While there are lessons to be learned for Police, the staff involved displayed passion and dedication in working to try to advance difficult and complex cases. Police acknowledge that more support should have been afforded to the officers involved at the time and apologise to the staff involved for not providing that support, particularly during a prolonged period of media reporting. The murder case interview referenced in the IPCA media statement was subject to an independent review, which found that those involved in that interview were not involved in the wider investigation management, including making key decisions relevant to progressing the investigation or prosecution. They were brought in to conduct an interview phase only. In these circumstances, it would be both wrong and unfair for conclusions to be drawn that these staff were to blame for the charges being withdrawn. Consequently, the internal review also focussed on the way the Police lead, review and manage serious crime investigations and an examination of those areas specific to that case. Police are unable to release a full copy of that review as it contains sensitive information that would prejudice further investigation and potential prosecution outcomes. A summary of the review (previously released under the Official Information Act 1982) is provided with this release. Police also commissioned a broad review of interviewing practices across all of Police, which was completed in November 2024. The recommendations of that review and the recommendations of the IPCA review are accepted and are being implemented as a programme of work. A full copy of this review is provided with this release. Police is also establishing a new position, the Manager Investigative Interviewing, to lead this programme of work, as was recommended by the IPCA. Police expect to recruit for this position in coming weeks. Engaging with and interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects is a core policing skill and pivotal to advancing all investigations and other aspects of policing. The Police Executive is committed to ensuring that NZ Police's interviewing training programme is world leading.
