The burden of proof of the Dutch police: Why the scenario model continues to deliver low‐quality child interviews

Abstract

In a recent paper , we reported on the first empirical investigation into the Scenario Model, an interview method used by the Dutch police to interview alleged child victims of abuse. We found that open prompts, known to elicit detailed and accurate statements in children, were rarely used. Based on our findings, we argued that on this aspect of conducting child interviews (i.e., the types of questions used), the Scenario Model needs improvement. Rispens et al. (in press)-who developed and teach the Scenario Modelcommented on our findings and disagreed with our conclusion. It is a positive sign that the Dutch police have joined the academic discussion on child investigative interviewing. In this reply, we will argue that Rispens et al. have not used sound arguments to support their conclusion and that we stand by our position that Dutch child interviews need improvement. We will discuss some issues of disagreement but will also focus on topics that we agree on.