What influences witness satisfaction in police interviews? interpersonal qualities and perceived identity bias

Abstract

Witness interviews play an important role in criminal investigations, yet the experiences of witnesses have received comparatively limited empirical attention. This study examined how witnesses in the United Kingdom perceive the quality of police witness interviews. Seventy-four individuals who had previously been interviewed as witnesses completed a survey measuring satisfaction, interviewer professionalism, interpersonal behaviours, and perceived identity-based treatment. Quantitative analyses indicated that interviewer interest was the strongest predictor of satisfaction, outperforming demographics, professionalism, and perceived dismissal. Qualitative thematic analysis provided deeper insight into witnesses’ experiences, with participants highlighting the role of empathy, clarity, and engagement while also reporting identity-related concerns that influenced their interview experiences. The findings indicate that witnesses’ perceptions of interviews are closely linked to relational quality and perceived objectivity in how accounts were understood and represented. Greater attention to interpersonal engagement and sensitivity to identity-related concerns may inform efforts to enhance witness experiences and cooperation in investigative contexts.