Third International Conference on Investigative Interviewing

A word from the chairperson of the Scientific Committee and historical background

From the chairperson of the Scientific Committee

The statements of witnesses, victims and suspects, represent a considerable part of the work conducted by investigators. Testimonials and facts must be brought together in order to solve the puzzle. Testimonials bring meaning to the facts and make them live. It is through testimonials that we establish the truth.

It is with tremendous pride that I invite you to participate in the third great assembly. The search for the truth through witness, victim, and suspect accounts, is at the very essence of the pursuit for justice.

Michel St-Yves, Forensic Psychologist, Sûreté du Québec

Michel St-Yves is a Criminal Psychologist with the Behavioral Sciences Section of the Sûreté du Québec (Canada). He acts as a special consultant during critical incidents, actively participates in criminal investigations, and establishes psychological profiles of suspects in preparation for police interrogations. He also teaches on these subjects and has co-authored two texts on police interviewing and interrogation.

Complete biography

Historical background of the Conference

In 2004, the l’École nationale de police du Québec hosted the first International Conference on Investigative Interviewing.

The conference was organized in partnership with the Sûreté du Québec, several municipal police services, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The 2004 conference was a tremendous success. Two hundred and seventy participants representing ten countries were able to focus on the advancement of knowledge with respect to Investigative Interviewing and Interrogation. The interest generated by this first conference resulted in the proposal that future conferences be held every two years.

In 2006, Great Britain carried the torch forward and organized the second International Conference on Investigative Interviewing. Three hundred and fifty participants were drawn to the conference’s varied themes that included police interrogation, witness interviewing, and the detection of deception.