Recommendations for Forensic Evaluators Conducting Interpreter-Mediated Interviews

Abstract

Courts and forensic psychologists are more frequently working with interpreters as a result of the increasing linguistic diversity in the United States. This article reviews the published literature on how interpreter-mediated communication impacts the reliability and validity of forensic evaluation. Until there are sufficient numbers of multilingual forensic psychologists, the use of interpreters in forensic practice is unavoidable. Therefore, this article provides forensic psychologists with empirically-based recommendations to improve the reliability and validity of interpreter-mediated evaluations.

Interpreting or other forms of language support? Experiences and decision-making among response and community police officers in Scotland

“…The findings of this study confirm the need for both more training on how to work with interpreters and further research on how to enhance interviewing dynamics in interpreter-mediated interaction. Recent studies (Hale, Goodman-Delahunty & Martschuck, 2019;Howes, 2019) corroborate the benefits of advanced police interpreting training, as widely advocated by interpreting scholars (Maddux, 2010;Ortega-Herráez, 2011). Training of stakeholders, however, seems just as necessary to increase collaboration and understanding of each other's role (ImPLI Partners, 2012;Perez & Wilson, 2007), and was mentioned as a suggestion by officers in the group discussions.…”

The Use of an Interpreter During a Forensic Interview: Challenges and Considerations

“…Because the quality of the interpreter will have an impact on the evaluation, the forensic evaluator should be aware of what sort of interpreters are available. Previous literature recommends the use of certified court interpreters (11). These individuals are typically licensed by the state and undergo testing to affirm their knowledge of a language.…”

“…Multiple options exist for retaining interpreter services. However, in any of the circumstances discussed, the forensic evaluator should work with the retaining party to secure the highest quality of interpretive services (11). Attention to quality is especially vital in light of the potential magnitude of the case being evaluated.…”

“…Once a case has been accepted, there are four ways in which a forensic evaluator can use an interpreter to enhance the utility of the clinical interview (see box on this page). The first way is to discuss the interview with the interpreter in advance and make sure that he or she has appropriate knowledge about the purpose of the evaluation (11,15). An interpreter who is aware of the goal of the clinical interview may be able to suggest alternative ways to inquire about the necessary information, based on the individual's language and culture.…”

“…However, for brief answers or answers that are confusing to the interpreter, it can be helpful to interpret the exact words. Many forensic evaluators use quotes in their reports to document exactly what was said by an evaluee, particularly for important topics; in these circumstances, it may be helpful to quote the evaluee in his or her native language, if the statement is particularly important for the evaluation and the English translation is not exact (11,16). If the interpreter informs the forensic evaluator that the evaluee is not making sense, an exact interpretation of each word may give more information to the mental health professional.…”