A two-day training was held at the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs for 22 representatives of criminal procedure and forensics departments from higher education institutions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine, and Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. The event was opened by DSUIA Rector, Police Colonel Oleksandr Morgunov, and JustGroup leader Vasylyna Yavorska.
Trainers for the event represented a range of institutions and organizations, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the Dnipro District Prosecutor’s Office, and DSUIA.
The training was moderated by facilitator-trainer Nataliia Rymar and DSUIA professor, Police Major Viktoriia Rohalska.
The training of university instructors specializing in criminal procedure and forensic science is of great importance, as conducting interviews using the investigative interviewing methodology allows pre-trial investigation bodies to obtain information in a safer and more effective manner during criminal investigations. This approach is particularly relevant to the investigation of war crimes and ensures procedural safeguards for all participants, including vulnerable groups, thereby contributing to fair justice.
The urgency of implementing this innovative interviewing methodology in the operations of Ukraine’s pre-trial investigation bodies is further underlined by the fact that the International Criminal Court also applies investigative interviewing during interrogations related to war crimes committed on Ukrainian territory—cases in which Ukrainian investigators are actively involved.
Since 2018, DSUIA has served as a continuous platform for expert discussions on integrating investigative interviewing into the practices of prosecution and investigative bodies. The next step will be a three-day pilot program on investigative interviewing, to be held in June 2025 for 30 cadets. The course will be delivered by faculty members who completed this training.
*** The training was developed and conducted by the JustLearn development hub, supported by JustGroup, in partnership with the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights at the University of Oslo, under the project “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine,” funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in Ukraine.
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