PEACE model

Question 1

What does PEACE stand for?

Answer 1

PEACE

P - Planning and Preparation 
E - Engage and Explain 
A - Account - (interviewee version) 
C - Closure 
E - Evaluation

Question 2

What are the four main considerations during the Planning and preparation stage?

Answer 2

P - Planning and preparation

1. Background information
2. Planning the interview
3. Legal considerations
4. Administrative arrangement

Question 3

Expand on “Background information” during the Planning and preparation stage.

Answer 3

P - Planning and preparation

1. Background information

• What is already known about the incident
• What information do I need to know
• If the incident equates to an offence, what are its elements
• Is it an isolated incident or part of a series of similar incidents
• The character of the interviewee
• What is known about the interviewee

Question 4

Expand on “Planning the interview” during the Planning and preparation stage.

Answer 4

P - Planning and preparation

2. Planning the interview

Purpose:
- To ascertain the truth about the matter under investigation.

Aims:
- To ascertain the extent of the witness knowledge of the matter being investigated.

Objectives:
- Things being sought, specific goals to be achieved.

Question 5

Expand on “Administrative arrangement” during the Planning and preparation stage.

Answer 5

P - Planning and preparation

3. Administrative arrangement

Location:
- Is the location of the interview appropriate?

Timing of the interview:
- Does the witness have time constraints, traumatic, should the interview be delayed?

Appropriateness of the interviewer:
- Are you the most appropriate person to conduct the interview?

Equipment:
- Do you have all the necessary equipment to conduct and record the interview?

Question 6

Expand on “Legal considerations” during the Planning and preparation stage.

Answer 6

P - Planning and preparation

4. Legal considerations

Age:
- If young, is a parent or guardian required if elderly, friend, relative of choosing may be helpful.

Impairment:
- Does the witness have any mental or physical impairment.

Support:
- Language interpreter or vulnerable person

Representation:
- Legal representation

Question 7

Explain the “Engage and explain” stage of the PEACE model.

Answer 7

E - Engage and explain

Engage

• Treat them as an individual
• Understand them

Explain

• Reason for the interview
• Interview procedure
• Interview format
• Implications of making a statement

Question 8

Explain the “Account” stage of the PEACE model.

Answer 8

A - Account

• Obtain the initial account
• Expand the initial account
• Identify topics / focal points
• Review

Question 9

Explain the “Closure” stage of the PEACE model.

Answer 9

C - Closure

• Complete a written statement and invite the witness to sign it
• Answer any questions from the witness
• Ask the witness to make a written note of any further they recall about the event and to contact the interviewer.

Question 10

Explain the “Evaluation” stage of the PEACE model.

Answer 10

E - Evaluation

• What information has been obtained
• How the account fits in with other evidence
• Whether any action needs to be taken
• What further enquires need to be made
• Interviewer performance
• Whats next