‘Investigative interviews are crucial for gathering evidence within the criminal justice system, yet they are also socially and cognitively demanding encounters for autistic interviewees. In this exploratory study, we used a novel qualitative methodology to examine factors that potentially impact police suspect interviews with autistic people, as well as how adaptations could be made to current practice. Autistic participants (n = 5) were interviewed as a mock-suspect (implicated in a mock-crime) in a real-life active police custody suite by a police officer (n = 5), whilst accompanied by an appropriate adult (n = 5). Autistic adults, police officers and appropriate adults were interviewed about this experience and their broader perspectives on police interviewing practice. Using thematic analysis, three main themes and eleven sub-themes were produced: (1) Challenges for effective participation during interview; (2) Questions of suspect credibility; and (3) Assisting communication and understanding during interview. Findings were synthesised with broader literature to present a working model – the Individual Interpersonal Environmental (IIE) Vulnerability Model – which outlines how a series of interconnected individual, interpersonal and environmental factors may impact police suspect interviews with autistic people.’
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Psychology, Crime & Law. 2nd April 2025
Source: doi.org