58 Human Rights in Counter-Terrorism Investigations A number of OSCE participating States use an interview model that identifies different stages within the interviewing process and constitutes a practical application of the guidance mentioned above. This Interview Model is called “PEACE” in reference to the following five phases: P – Planning and preparation This phase relates to the different elements the investigator has to take into consideration to properly plan and get prepared for an interview; E – Engagement and explanation This phase refers to the first steps of the interview, during which the investigator should carefully consider how to start the interview in order to create a climate of trust, establish the ground rules and explain to the witness the reasons for and expectations of the interview; A – Account, clarification and challenge During this phase, the investigator reviews, challenges and checks facts or obtains details; C – Closure This phase consists of the steps detailed above necessary before closing an interview, such as asking the witness if he or she wants to add or correct anything and reviewing the account of the interview; and E – Evaluation During this phase, the investigator reviews the information gathered; decides whether and how it can be useful for the investigation, and identifies next steps, including potential additional interviews. The legal status of witnesses varies from country to country, as does their legal duty to assist the police and the powers of the police to compel them to provide information. It is important to remember that any person who is obliged to go to a place to be interviewed, to remain with the police for this purpose, or to answer questions, should be afforded the same rights as a suspect as detailed in Part 3.4 of this manual; i.e., the right not to incriminate themselves, to have access to legal counsel and medical attention; to have someone of their choice notified of their arrest, detention, imprisonment and whereabouts, including the fact and place where they are held. If someone is being interviewed as a witness and at some stage the police decide that this individual is actually a suspect and is not free to leave, the moment of that

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents