Investigative Interviewing Research Laboratory

Research at the investigative interviewing laboratory is conducted by Dr. Christian Meissner and his colleagues at the University of Texas at El Paso. Our research examines the social and cognitive psychological processes that underlie the interviewing of individuals in forensic settings. As such, our research has three primary foci, including (1) factors that influence eyewitness memory and lineup identification; (2) the detection of deception in forensic interviews; and (3) techniques employed in the interrogation of suspects and other non-cooperative individuals that lead to confessions. Generally speaking, researchers in our lab are interested in applying basic research in social and cognitive psychology to develop interview protocols and identification methods that will improve the diagnostic value of information obtained by law enforcement and intelligence personnel. Please feel free to explore our web pages and learn more about our research at UTEP.

Interrogations & Confessions:
A Conference Exploring Research, Practice, & Policy

September 27-29, 2007

University of Texas at El Paso

This two-and-a-half-day conference will provide a unique forum within which social scientists, legal scholars, law enforcement professionals, and clinicians might be brought together to critically examine the current state of research and practice on interrogations and confessions. To this end, the organizers have invited the most prominent scholars who have developed well-recognized programs of research on the topics of interrogative interviewing, false confessions, the detection of deception in forensic interviews, individual differences, and clinical-forensic evaluations. The conference program includes both individual research presentations and panel discussions that will provide a forum for assessing future directions in research and the development of "best practice" models. Continuing education credit is available to lawyers and clinical psychologists who might wish to attend. Space is limited for this important event, so attendees are encouraged to register now! Early registration ends August 17^th.

Invited Speakers will include:
Prof. Raymond H. C. Bull (University of Leicester)
Gregory DeClue, Ph.D., ABPP (Diplomate in Forensic Psy.)
Jeffrey Deskovic (recent DNA exoneree)
Steven Drizin, JD (Northwestern University)
Bruce Frumkin, Ph.D., ABPP (Forensic & Clinical Psy. Assoc.)
Solomon Fulero, Ph.D. (Sinclair College)
Gisli Gudjonsson, Ph.D. (King’s College, London)
Saul Kassin, Ph.D. (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
G. Daniel Lassiter, Ph.D. (Ohio University)
Richard Leo, JD, Ph.D. (University of San Francisco)
Christian Meissner, Ph.D. (University of Texas at El Paso)
Allison Redlich, Ph.D. (Policy Research Associates, Inc.)
N. Dick Reppucci, Ph.D. (University of Virginia)
Thomas Sullivan, LL.B. (Jenner & Block LLP)
Prof. Aldert Vrij (University of Portsmouth)
Elizabeth Wiggins, Ph.D. (Federal Judicial Center)
Lawrence Wrightsman, Ph.D. (University of Kansas)

For more information or to register, please visit http://www.utep.edu/confess. Please note that early registration is available through August 17^th. Those needing further information may also contact Dr. Christian Meissner at cmeissner@utep.edu.

* Undergraduate students at UTEP interested working in the lab should investigate our research projects and then contact Dr. Meissner via email.

* Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Meissner for more information about the laboratory and on-going projects, and to view the Legal Psychology Ph.D. Program website for information about our graduate program.

* Attorneys and law enforcement personnel interested in consultation on the collection of eyewitness evidence or the psychology of interrogations and confessions should visit the Outreach Information page and contact Dr. Meissner for more information about our services.