Phil Morris

Articles by: Phil Morris

Interviewing autistic people within the Criminal Justice System

18th April 2018

Phil Morris, Director, Specialist Communication Techniques

OPINION: Police interviewing methods, often heralded as good practice, can be unhelpful when used with people with autism. Retired officer Phil Morris, who now delivers specialist training in this area, shares his own journey to understanding the best approach to those with autism.

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Phil Morris
Managing Director, Specialist Communication Techniques
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I completed 30 years service with Greater Manchester Police in January 2016. The latter part of my career involved the training ABE interviewing techniques to police officers, social workers, Insolvency staff and military police officers. During this time I developed a keen interest in interviewing autistic people and completed a masters programme in child forensic studies at the University of Leeds leading to a dissertation in this field. Now retired, my passion, via my business Specialist Communication Techniques, is to continue to pass on my experience and communication skills in dealing with adults and children with autistic spectrum conditions, particularly within the criminal justice system. People with autism respond better to particular styles of interviewing and communication techniques. Traditional styles of cognitive interviewing have been shown to be limited in their effectiveness. Overcoming these issues demands an insightful approach that can be taught. The Youth Justice & Criminal Evidence Act clearly states that every victim and witness should have a clear voice, and yet failing to interview or communicate in a way that accommodates the autistic condition, denies the autistic community from having that voice. The skills that I teach have applications in interviews and information gathering with autistic suspects, witnesses and victims by all investigative agencies. In the last 5 months I have twice delivered a 4-day bespoke training course on interviewing autistic people. The course has been assessed and accredited by The CPD Certification Service and has received spectacular feedback from delegates. I am also a member and an accredited Trainer for the National Autistic Society.