Achieving Best Evidence
An ABE interview, or Achieving Best Evidence interview, is a specialised interview technique used in criminal investigations, particularly those involving vulnerable or intimidated witnesses like children.
It focuses on gathering accurate and reliable accounts from these individuals while minimising distress and ensuring the interview process is legally sound.
Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews are not only crucial for the investigation process, but also have an important part in a victims overall experience of the criminal justice system. The implementation of Gillen Review recommendations has resulted in:
- ABE interview suites have been refurbished to a simplistic but desirable standard to avoid sources of noise, distractions or a cluttered screen image;
- Children’s toys or props are available should they be required;
- ABE interview training has been reviewed and improved with input received from Registered Intermediaries, child psychologists and members of the legal profession;
- Improvements have been made to recording equipment so ABE interviews can be replayed during the trial with good sound and picture quality;
- A pilot involving a cadre of police officers and social care staff specifically trained to conduct ABE interviews is delivering important improvements. However, the extension and further roll-out of the ABE cadre to other Health Trust areas is subject to additional funding becoming available.
- The PSNI led ABE Working Group has been established to oversee further improvements to the ABE process, including delivery of the remaining Gillen recommendations in this area.