Recommendations for Forensic Evaluators Conducting Interpreter-Mediated Interviews

Maddux, Jemour A.

doi:10.1080/14999013.2010.483343

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The findings of this study confirm the need for both more training on how to work with interpreters and further research on how to enhance interviewing dynamics in interpreter-mediated interaction. Recent studies (Hale, Goodman-Delahunty & Martschuck, 2019;Howes, 2019) corroborate the benefits of advanced police interpreting training, as widely advocated by interpreting scholars (Maddux, 2010;Ortega-Herráez, 2011). Training of stakeholders, however, seems just as necessary to increase collaboration and understanding of each other's role (ImPLI Partners, 2012;Perez & Wilson, 2007), and was mentioned as a suggestion by officers in the group discussions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Interpreting or other forms of language support? Experiences and decision-making among response and community police officers in Scotland

Monteoliva-Garcia¹

2020

Trans-Int

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This study engages in research of interpreting as a socially-situated practice and explores two main foci: police officers' experiences of interpreting and the factors shaping decision-making regarding the means of language support they use to communicate with non-native speakers of English. Given its pivotal role in any investigation, most police interpreting research has focused on investigative interviews. The work carried out by police officers and interpreters in police settings involves a wide range of communicative scenarios inside and outside the police station. Drawing on a thematic analysis of data gathered through focus groups, this study explores police officers' experiences in interacting with non-native speakers of English across the various scenarios that are part of community and response officers' day-today operations, and examines the factors shaping officers' decision to book an interpreter or to resort to other means to communicate when a language barrier is identified. Officers highlighted the key role of interpreters in enabling communication, issues related to practicalities when booking an interpreter, and reported on the difficulties associated with telephone interpreting. The discussions illustrate the range of means used by police officers while on duty, the impact of linguistic and non-linguistic factors on the decision-making process, such as the urgency of a given situation, and the findings corroborate the complexity of assessing proficiency. Whereas, overall, officers showed a high degree of awareness of language and communication aspects, the need for more informed guidance on the potential risks of different types of solutions emerged as a pattern in the discussions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Interpreting or other forms of language support? Experiences and decision-making among response and community police officers in Scotland

Monteoliva-Garcia¹

2020

Trans-Int

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“…Because the quality of the interpreter will have an impact on the evaluation, the forensic evaluator should be aware of what sort of interpreters are available. Previous literature recommends the use of certified court interpreters (11). These individuals are typically licensed by the state and undergo testing to affirm their knowledge of a language.…”

Section: Taking the Case And Deciding To Use An Interpretermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Multiple options exist for retaining interpreter services. However, in any of the circumstances discussed, the forensic evaluator should work with the retaining party to secure the highest quality of interpretive services (11). Attention to quality is especially vital in light of the potential magnitude of the case being evaluated.…”

Section: Taking the Case And Deciding To Use An Interpretermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Once a case has been accepted, there are four ways in which a forensic evaluator can use an interpreter to enhance the utility of the clinical interview (see box on this page). The first way is to discuss the interview with the interpreter in advance and make sure that he or she has appropriate knowledge about the purpose of the evaluation (11,15). An interpreter who is aware of the goal of the clinical interview may be able to suggest alternative ways to inquire about the necessary information, based on the individual's language and culture.…”

Section: Working With An Interpretermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, for brief answers or answers that are confusing to the interpreter, it can be helpful to interpret the exact words. Many forensic evaluators use quotes in their reports to document exactly what was said by an evaluee, particularly for important topics; in these circumstances, it may be helpful to quote the evaluee in his or her native language, if the statement is particularly important for the evaluation and the English translation is not exact (11,16). If the interpreter informs the forensic evaluator that the evaluee is not making sense, an exact interpretation of each word may give more information to the mental health professional.…”

Section: Working With An Interpretermentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The Use of an Interpreter During a Forensic Interview: Challenges and Considerations

Wagoner

2017

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The purpose of this Open Forum is to detail the unique considerations present when using an interpreter in a forensic interview, including whether it is appropriate to take the case, the practical aspects of working with an interpreter, and whether the use of standardized instruments is indicated. While working with the interpreter, a forensic psychiatrist can enhance the interview by discussing the purpose of the interview with the interpreter before it takes place, encouraging accurate translation of information, reviewing incorrect or unusual responses to questions, and considering the evaluee's cultural beliefs. Standardized instruments, which can be very helpful in an English language interview, may be less useful when an interpreter is used.

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Obstacles to Litigating and Evaluating Trauma in Police Misconduct Cases

Maddux¹,

Agnew²,

Frumkin

2020

Assessing Trauma in Forensic Contexts

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Recommendations for Forensic Evaluators Conducting Interpreter-Mediated Interviews

Cited by 12 publications

References 31 publications

Interpreting or other forms of language support? Experiences and decision-making among response and community police officers in Scotland

Interpreting or other forms of language support? Experiences and decision-making among response and community police officers in Scotland

The Use of an Interpreter During a Forensic Interview: Challenges and Considerations

Obstacles to Litigating and Evaluating Trauma in Police Misconduct Cases

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