Status Quo, Prospects and Challenges of Investigative Interviewing in Bulgaria and the Necessity for Urgent Measures

Abstract

This study examines the awareness, application, and training needs related to the 2021 Mendez Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering among law enforcement authorities and other relevant professionals in Bulgaria. Based on a small-scale empirical survey of 100 participants, the findings indicate that familiarity with the Principles is limited, yet there is a strong interest in specialized training. The study highlights gaps in current investigative practices and offers practical recommendations to align questioning procedures with international human rights and ethical standards, ultimately promoting more effective and humane information-gathering processes.