The guide further highlights the dangers of relying solely on unsubstantiated confessions as a means of resolving cases; emphasises the critical importance of maintaining an open mind and the presumption of innocence; presents evidence for the unreliability of using oppressive means and torture in interviewing suspects; contains practical advice for questioning suspects in ways that are most likely to elicit actionable information; and provides officers with the means to structure and plan investigative interviews effectively. Prems 108618 Initiated by the Criminal Law Cooperation Unit of the Council of Europe (DG1), this brief introductory guide is primarily designed as a training tool for police officers involved in interviewing, with particular reference to the interviewing of suspects. Its fundamental aim is to promote human rights compliant practices throughout the interview phase of investigations and in so doing underlines not only the legal and moral imperatives, but also the operational effectiveness of adopting such an approach. ENG www.coe.int The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation. It comprises 47 member states, 28 of which are members of the European Union. All Council of Europe member states have signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The European Court of Human Rights oversees the implementation of the Convention in the member states.