CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The interrogation room stands as a pivotal space where the scales of justice are delicately balanced, often teetering between the pursuit of truth and the protection of individual rights. [1]Police interrogation, as a cornerstone of investigative procedures, plays a crucial role in uncovering critical information that aids in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. [2]However, this essential process has come under increasing scrutiny on a global scale due to mounting concerns about the potential violation of fundamental human rights[3].

In recent years, high-profile cases and research studies have shed light on the nuanced dynamics at play within police interrogation rooms. [4]The power differentials between law enforcement officers and suspects, coupled with the inherent pressure to extract information, have raised questions about the methods employed and their implications for human rights. [5]Instances of coercion, intimidation, and psychological manipulation have underscored the need for a comprehensive examination of police interrogation practices through the lens of human rights protection[6].

The intersection of police interrogation and human rights represents a critical juncture where legal, ethical, and moral considerations converge. [7]It is imperative to delve into the intricacies of this relationship to ensure that the pursuit of justice is not at the expense of individual liberties and dignity. [8]By scrutinizing the procedures, techniques, and safeguards surrounding police interrogation, this research seeks to illuminate the challenges and opportunities for upholding human rights standards within the criminal justice system[9].

Understanding the complexities and nuances of police interrogation in the context of human rights is not merely an academic exercise but a moral imperative. [10]It is through this critical appraisal that we can strive to forge a system that is not only effective in combating crime but also just, transparent, and respectful of the inherent rights of all individuals involved. [11]This research endeavor stands as a beacon of hope for a legal system that values truth-seeking without compromising the principles of fairness, integrity, and human dignity[12].

Moreover, the international human rights framework provides a foundation for evaluating police interrogation practices. Instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) establish fundamental rights that are pertinent to police interrogation, including the right to freedom from torture, the right to liberty and security of person, and the right to a fair trial. These international standards underscore the need for police interrogation practices to be aligned with human rights principles.

The Cameroonian context, in particular, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the protection of human rights during police interrogations. Given the country’s legal framework and cultural nuances, it is essential to examine how police interrogation practices in Cameroon intersect with human rights standards. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities and potential areas for reform in police interrogation practices in Cameroon.

Furthermore, research has shown that the use of coercive police interrogation techniques can lead to false confessions, wrongful convictions, and miscarriages of justice. The psychological and social dynamics of police interrogation can also have a profound impact on suspects, particularly those from vulnerable populations. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the impact of police interrogation techniques on human rights protection in Cameroon, with a view to identifying potential areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the relationship between police interrogation and human rights is complex and multifaceted. This research aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of this relationship, with a focus on the Cameroonian context. By examining the legal frameworks, police interrogation practices, and human rights standards, this study seeks to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for upholding human rights during police interrogations.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The use of coercive police interrogation techniques in Cameroon has led to numerous allegations of human rights violations, including forced confessions, torture, and arbitrary detention. Despite the existence of legal frameworks and international human rights standards, the prevalence of these abuses suggests a significant gap between the law and practice.

This problem is compounded by the lack of transparency and accountability in police interrogation processes, which makes it difficult to track and address instances of human rights violations. Furthermore, the current police interrogation methods may not be effective in eliciting accurate and reliable information, which can lead to miscarriages of justice.

This research seeks to investigate the impact of police interrogation techniques on human rights protection in Cameroon, with a view to identifying the root causes of these abuses and proposing reforms to ensure that police interrogation practices are aligned with international human rights standards.

1.3 Research Hypothesis

It is assumed that police interrogation methods in Cameroon often compromise human rights standards, and therefore, there is a need for reforms in the legal framework and interrogation practices to ensure the protection of human rights during police interrogations.

1.4 Research Questions

It is divided into main and specific research question

1.4.1 Main Research Question

• What is the impact of police interrogation on Human rights concern?

1.4.2 Specific Research Questions

• What are the police interrogation techniques and human rights protection in Cameroon?
• To what extent do current police interrogation methods in Cameroon align with international human rights standards?
• What reforms or improvements are legal in police interrogation practices in Cameroon to better safeguard human rights?
• What are the combat strategies to implement?

1.5 Research Objectives

It is divided into main and specific research objective.

1.5.1 Main Objective

• To critically evaluate the impact of police interrogation techniques on the protection of human rights.

1.5.2 Specific Research Objectives

• To analyze the legal frameworks governing police interrogation and human rights protection.
• To assess the effectiveness of current police interrogation methods in upholding human rights standards.
• To identify potential areas of improvement in police interrogation practices to better safeguard human rights.

[1] Kassin, S. M. (2005). On the psychology of confessions: Does innocence put innocents at risk? American Psychologist, 60(3), 215-228.

[2] Leo, R. A. (2008). Police interrogation and American justice. Harvard University Press.

[3] United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015). Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

[4] Gudjonsson, G. H. (2003). The psychology of interrogations and confessions: A handbook. John Wiley & Sons.

[5] Softley, P. (1980). Police interrogation: An observational study in the London Metropolitan Police Area. H.M. Stationery Office

[6] O’Neill, M. (2005). Police interrogation: A study of the perceptions of police officers and suspects. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 5(2), 1-24.

[7] Sanders, A., & Young, R. (2007). Criminal justice. Oxford University Press.

[8] Ashworth, A. (2002). Human rights, serious crime and criminal procedure. In M. Maguire, R. Morgan, & R. Reiner (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of criminology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

[9] Findlay, M. (2007). Challenges for restorative justice in a penal environment. Contemporary Justice Review, 10(2), 147-163.

[10] Braithwaite, J. (2002). Restorative justice and responsive regulation. Oxford University Press.

[11] Cavadino, M., & Dignan, J. (2007). The penal system: An introduction. Sage Publications.

[12] Muncie, J. (2009). Youth and crime: A critical introduction. Sage Publications