Page 51 - When Things Go Wrong

3.12 Quite apart from the adversarial manner adopted by certain investigators 133 and
advocates (which we consider in Chapter V, paras 5.6-5.10), evidence from
our consultees suggests that the experience of repeating evidence to several
agencies is in itself “distressing, exhausting and deeply inefficient”. One
134
consultee described the process for bereaved families as a “war of attrition”.

3.13 Patronising Disposition recognised that “in some instances there may be an
immediate need to conduct interviews with bereaved families – for example,
to prevent further loss of life, or in cases where for other reasons it is
operationally necessary”. 135 However, Jones stressed “the need for the
bereaved family and friends of those who have died to be questioned only as
absolutely necessary”. 136 The Working Party supports this view. It is crucial
that the justice system addresses the potentially re-traumatising effect of
reliving near-death experiences, or the death of loved ones through several
rounds of questioning.

3.14 Recognising existing efforts to encourage coordination, we recommend that
where possible, investigating agencies collaborate in the questioning of
witnesses. A lead interviewer should aim to gather evidence that can
satisfy the objectives of multiple investigations and form part of a cross-
jurisdictional dossier. Investigating agencies should meet with a view to
appointing interviewers and briefing them as to the issues on which
information is sought.

133 See Angiolini supra note 15, para 15.10: “Families cite examples of the police and IPCC questioning
them about the lifestyle of the deceased, and incorrect details, false narratives and ‘victim blaming’
about their loved ones”.
134 See also ‘INQUEST report of the Family Listening Day held to support the Rt Rev Bishop James
Jones’ Review of the Hillsborough Families’ Experiences’, April 2017 and ‘INQUEST report of the
Family Listening Days held to support the independent review into deaths and serious incidents in police
custody’, May 2017.
135 Jones, supra note 16, p. 33.
136 Ibid.
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