3.4 Observations about DS Sund and the witness
The following are observations from Zoë and Graham about the interview.
Observations regarding Sund
There are a number of positive ways in which DS Sund behaves towards Neale, the witness. She sets up the interview by asking him to report in as much detail as he can, and she asks him to imagine himself back at the scene. She hands him control over what he talks about, making clear that he is in charge of where the conversation will go, by saying ‘I will try not to interrupt you, or ask you further questions’. All these things are likely to help increase the amount of information he can remember, and increase the amount of information he will therefore report.
In addition, she is empathic to his situation: ‘I understand this might be difficult for you, Neale. Just take your time. And if you need a break at any point, please just ask.’ Also throughout the interview, while she does interrupt him once, to clarify an important point, she generally lets him talk.
Observations regarding Neale
Neale appears to want to speak to the officers and to help them, he is willing to speak. There were some things that appeared to be unusual about his testimony, although it is important to remember he does state that things were a bit of a blur.
For example:
- He spoke about his father as if he were still alive
- He thought his father may be unwell but flagged down the police rather than calling an ambulance
- He said he did not know his father had a mobile phone
- He did not have keys to his father’s house despite living locally