Investigators and officials from Thai and Malaysian law enforcement bodies have worked with representatives of New Zealand Police to familiarise themselves with the key elements of non-coercive interviewing and discuss how this approach could be applied in their training and investigation procedures.
The five-day programme, held in Bangkok from 18-22 March 2024 and organised by the APT, included seven trainers from the Thai Royal Police Cadet Academy (RCPA), two prosecutors from the Nitivajra Institute, two investigators from the Department of Special Investigation, two officers from the Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau and one representative from the Royal Malaysian Police.
Two trainers from the Royal New Zealand Police College led a series of practical sessions to introduce the PEACE model of interviewing, including witness and suspect interviews. The model emphasises ethical practices, respect for human rights, and the importance of obtaining accurate and reliable information without a reliance on obtaining confessions.
New Zealand Police has used the PEACE model as its primary framework for effective interviewing techniques in criminal investigations over two decades. Research suggests that the PEACE model of interviewing is an approach that gives practical effect to the Méndez Principles.
We support the adoption of PEACE model and the video recording of interviews. In cases where the defendant denies the accuracy of their statements in court, the court can review the video recordings … This approach ensures the accuracy of the statement and protects the integrity of the officers' conduct.
Under the Safe in Custody project, the APT is supporting the RCPA to integrate the Méndez Principles into the RPCA curriculum. Under the supervision of the Pol.Lt.Gen. Zenith Samransamruadkit, the RCPA’s investigation courses for cadets are being revised to focus on effective interviewing techniques for investigations and information gathering.
This approach recognises that effective interviewing is critical to the success of criminal investigations, as well as for the protection of human rights and building public confidence in State institutions. These issues were key discussion topics during the training programme delivered with New Zealand Police.
“Revising the RPCA’s curriculum in investigation processes will help advance the implementation of the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearances Act 2566. It will support the Thai government's commitment to the prevention of torture and promote better investigative frameworks and standards for law enforcement,” said APT Regional Project Officer Manachaya Yankittikul.
The PEACE model of interviewing could also be applied by Malaysian law enforcement agencies, said Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Asmadi Bin Abd Hashim Muhammat Salim, head of Crisis Management and Disaster at Royal Police College Kuala Lumpur.
“The police systems in Thailand and Malaysia are similar. If the PEACE Model were to be implemented in Malysia, several laws would need to be amended. It would also be necessary to ensure all police officers understand the new concept. This would involve discussions with stakeholders from various sectors,” he said.
APT Regional Representative Nid Satjipanon said the APT was aiming to finalise the revision of the RCPA curriculum on effective interviewing by July 2024 to showcase at regional level.
‘We are seeking to initiate a similar project in Malaysia in support to local initiatives,” Mr Satjipanon said.
The APT is grateful for the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the expertise of Detective Sergeant Seamus Doyle, Investigative Interviewing Trainer and Detective Senior Sergeant Glen Turner, Practice Leader in Investigative Interviewing at the Royal New Zealand Police College, in leading the training.