Monday, February 19, 2018

Kathmandu: Nepal. FETI (the controversial Forensic experiential Trauma Interview Technique) is spreading its wings to The Himalayas. (And the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is flying it there). The Himalayan New Service reports in a story headed "Workshop on forensic interview conducted, that "Forensic interview specialist at Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America Amy S. Allen said FETI approach aims to maintain integrity of the criminal investigation process."Studies have shown that trauma interrupts the memory process and hence information obtained from traumatised victims could be much farther from the truth. “Forensic interview is a tool to assist law enforcement agencies in determining if a crime has occurred. It is a key component to a thorough and complete investigation,” Allen said, adding, “It is conducted in a neutral setting that allows the investigators to solicit the most accurate and descriptive information.” She said forensic interview required specialised training and victims needed to feel safe and secure before they could provide reliable information."


PUBLISHER'S NOTE: In a previous post (link below) I drew attention to a supposedly effective forensic tool for use in  interviewing sexual assault complainants  which is called Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview (FETI): As indicated in the headnote to the post: "A matter of growing concern. Report obtained by this Blog indicates 'FETI' has been rejected by the U.S. Air Force..."Given the lack of empirical evidence on FETI’s effectiveness, and the large number of investigative, professional and scientific concerns regarding FETI and FETI training, the Air Force does not consider FETI as a viable option for investigative interviewing. We believe it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to discontinue the use of a robust, well-studied, effective, and empirically-validated interviewing method that is supported by the latest scientific research (the Cognitive Interview), in favor of an interviewing method that is loosely constructed, is based on flawed science, makes unfounded claims about its effectiveness, and has never once been tested, studied, researched or validated (FETI)."  The failure of police to lay rape charges  has become a political and social issue in North  America and beyond. I  am concerned, that a knee-jerk reaction based insufficient scientific research such as FETI can lead to an even greater failure of sexual assault charges - and to an epidemic of wrongful convictions. For this reason, I continue to follow  Forensic Experiential Trauma Interviews - scientific, political and legal developments, in the pages of this Blog.


Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;

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Read our previous post on the US  Air Force Report at the link below: "Sunday December 10, 2018:
Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview: (FETI); Part 2: A matter of growing concern. Report obtained by this Blog indicates 'FETI' has been rejected by the U.S. Air Force..."Given the lack of empirical evidence on FETI’s effectiveness, and the large number of investigative, professional and scientific concerns regarding FETI and FETI training, the Air Force does not consider FETI as a viable option for investigative interviewing. We believe it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to discontinue the use of a robust, well-studied, effective, and empirically-validated interviewing method that is supported by the latest scientific research (the Cognitive Interview), in favor of an interviewing method that is loosely constructed, is based on flawed science, makes unfounded claims about its effectiveness, and has never once been tested, studied, researched or validated (FETI)."
https://smithforensic.blogspot.ca/2017/12/forensic-experiential-trauma-interview_10.html
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STORY: "Workshop on forensic interview conducted," by The Himalayan News Service, published on February 19, 2018.

GIST: "Patan High Court Judge Tek Narayan Kuwar said forensic experiential trauma interview could be started from any district in cases of rape, human trafficking, domestic violence, pornography and child prostitution.  The approach is designed to gather information. The approach is designed to gather information about a traumatic event from the witnesses  rather than the victims. According to him, FETI approach towards criminal investigation could be adopted as per Article 21 of the constitution. Access to justice, fair treatment, restitution, compensation and assistance are the basic principles of justice adopted under FETI approach. Forensic interview specialist at Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America Amy S Allen said FETI approach aims to maintain integrity of the criminal investigation process. Studies have shown that trauma interrupts the memory process and hence information obtained from traumatised victims could be much farther from the truth. “Forensic interview is a tool to assist law enforcement agencies in determining if a crime has occurred. It is a key component to a thorough and complete investigation,” Allen said, adding, “It is conducted in a neutral setting that allows the investigators to solicit the most accurate and descriptive information.” She said forensic interview required specialised training and victims needed to feel safe and secure before they could provide reliable information. DSP Ganga Panta said Nepal Police was the only authority to investigate human trafficking cases."

The entire story can be found at:
https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/workshop-forensic-interview-conducted/

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog."