Leicester Professor Wins Psychology Award

Professor Ray Bull from the University of Leicester was awarded the Senior Forensic Psychologist Award 2008 on the 26 June at the British Psychological Society's Division of Forensic Psychology Annual Conference held at Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University. Professor Bull has been given the award based on his work in investigative interviewing. He has published research regarding the following topics: - A specialised technique called "cognitive interviewing" that helped children being interviewed by the police to recall information more accurately. - Validity of abuse confessions given whilst undertaking therapy. - Ethical issues relating to the use of polygraph tests when managing, supervising and treating offenders. - Police interview techniques. In 1991 he was commissioned by the Home Office (together with a Law Professor) to write the first working draft of the Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings. He was part of the small team commissioned by the Home Office in 2000 to write the 2002 government document Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, Including Children (ABE) He has advised a large number of police forces in several countries on the interviewing of witnesses and of suspects, and he has testified as an Expert Witness in a number of trials. In 2005 he received a Commendation from the London Metropolitan Police for "Innovation and professionalism whilst assisting a complex rape investigation". Professor Bull said; '"I am honoured to receive this prestigious award. Since 1971 I have conducted research (often with talented, younger collaborators) on investigative interviewing, witness memory, and policing which has led to improvements in professional practice and thus in the administration of justice. This award recognises the great importance of such work.' British Psychological Society