10 A practical guide to the Istanbul Protocol – for psychologists Police or other law enforcement officials should never be present in the examination room. The presence of police officers, soldiers, prison officers or other law enforcement officials in the examination room, for whatever reason, should be noted in the clinician’s report. Their presence during the examination may be grounds for disregard- ing a negative medical report (Istanbul Protocol, §§ 124-125). If any other persons are present in the interview room during the interview; the identity, titles and affiliations of these should be indicated in the report (Istanbul Protocol, § 125). II. SAFETY AND SECURITY The clinician should carefully consider the context in which they are working, take necessary precautions and provide safeguards accordingly. If interviewing people who are still imprisoned or in similar situations in which reprisals are possible, all precautions should be taken to ensure that the interview does not place the detainee in danger (or in additional difficulty). In other situations, the possibility that the person may still be persecuted or oppressed has to be kept in mind. Whether or not certain questions can be asked safely will vary considerably and depends on the degree to which confidentiality and security can be ensured. When necessary, questions about forbidden activities should be avoided. If the forensic medical examination supports allegations of torture, the detainee should not be returned to the place of detention, but rather should appear before the prosecutor or judge to determine the detainee’s legal disposition. (See § 91, § 93, § 126, § 129, § 239 and § 264 in the Istanbul Protocol.) III. TRUST The establishment of an effective and trustful relationship during the interview is a basic requirement for a well-conducted psychological evaluation. If an effective and trustful relationship with the examinee cannot be established and a complete and adequate history cannot be taken, it is very likely to be impossible to carry out a proper investigation of torture. Creating a climate of trust requires active listening, meticulous communication, courtesy, genuine empathy and honesty. Obtaining trust is very cruicial, however, it is even more important not, even unwittingly, to betray that trust. (See § 129 and § 164 in the Istanbul Protocol.)