Enhancing Justice and Efficiency: Advocating for the Adoption of Cognitive Interviewing Techniques Across Local and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

This paper investigates the disparities in adopting cognitive interviewing techniques between local and federal law enforcement agencies in the USA. Despite the established benefits of these techniques for enhancing witness recall accuracy and reducing false confessions, adoption at the local level lags significantly behind federal practices. Through a qualitative synthesis of existing literature and public reports, this study identifies the main barriers to adoption, which include resource limitations, training deficiencies, and cultural resistance within local agencies. The analysis suggests that comprehensive training programs, legislative mandates, and cultural shifts within law enforcement are critical to overcoming these barriers. Recommendations for promoting broader adoption include enhancing resource allocation for training, implementing national standards for investigative practices, and leveraging successful models from federal agencies. The paper underscores the need for a unified approach to improve investigative outcomes and justice across all levels of law enforcement.