Policing in a democracy and the rule of law It is widely accepted that most crime is solved by information provided by the community. Where the police have the confidence and respect of the community they serve, and all the diverse groups that comprise that community, then this information will flow freely. Without it, the police will find that they depend disproportionately on confessions to solve crimes. With this dependence comes the danger of applying duress, accepting false confessions and breaching human rights under a real or perceived pressure to solve crimes. The success of the police in crime detection is intimately connected with their relationships with the public. First-rate investigative interviewers are essential in the efforts to bring offenders to justice, but their potential contribution to solving crime will always be severely limited without the support of witnesses and victims – ordinary citizens who are willing to come forward to assist in the delivery of justice. Citizens are more likely to do this where they believe in the fairness of their justice system and the professional efficiency and integrity of an impartial and humane police service. Delivering professional and respectful investigative interviewing can be a major building block in achieving such community confidence and respect for the rule of law. Page 30 ► A brief introduction to investigative interviewing