The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and the interviewing of vulnerable groups: A practitioner's perspective

Purpose. To discover practitioners' appreciation of the legislative changes that the Youth justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, largely implemented in 2002, will have on investigative interviewing of vulnerable groups. Method. Police officers and social workers completed a questionnaire that asked about their perceptions of the Youth justice and Criminal justice Act 1999. Results. Practitioners thought that a large number of interviewees would be eligible for the special measures allowed within the remit of the new act. It was believed that the act would result in achieving best evidence with respect to accuracy and recording of interviews and in less discrimination against vulnerable groups. However, it was believed that implementing the act would be demanding in terms of time and money. Conclusion. Police officers and social workers share positive and negative views concerning the implementation and efficacy of the new legislation.