Procedural interview instead of pressure and confessions: ESBU outlines new investigation standards

 The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine is consistently implementing modern European approaches to conducting interviews and gathering information in criminal proceedings.

One of the key areas is the development of the investigative interview, which is based on respect for human rights, professional communication, and obtaining the most accurate and objective information possible.

This very issue was the focus of the scientific and practical seminar "Investigative Interviewing: Prospects for Development in Ukraine," organized by the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs in partnership with JustGroup and the European Union Advisory Mission, which was attended by Yurii Bielousov, Deputy Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine.

During his speech, he explained why investigative interviewing is considered one of the most modern and human-centric approaches to questioning today.

"An investigative interview is not about extracting a confession at any cost. It is about high-quality information gathering, respect for human rights, and professional communication. The subsequent course of the investigation, the formulation of hypotheses, and the evaluation of evidence depend entirely on how accurately and objectively the investigator obtained the initial information," noted Yurii Bielousov.

According to him, a modern investigator must operate not through pressure or seeking confirmation of their own assumptions, but through analysis, fact-finding, and the ability to communicate correctly with people.

The seminar participants paid special attention to working with vulnerable individuals, particularly children, as well as developing a training system for specialists in the field of investigative interviewing.

Yurii Bielousov emphasized that the implementation of such approaches requires systemic training and professional development for staff.

"The development of investigative interviewing is not just about new techniques. It is about changing the professional culture within criminal justice. Ukraine must move toward standards where the quality of information, respect for human rights, and trust in the law enforcement system are paramount," he stressed.

As part of the event, participants also discussed the role of investigative interviewing in improving the quality of gathered information, the differences between modern approaches and traditional interrogation methods, and the prospects for developing this area in Ukraine.

The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs, JustGroup, and the European Union Advisory Mission for organizing the seminar and providing a professional platform for discussing the implementation of modern European standards in the field of pretrial investigation.