Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) Interviews
The Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses — who qualifies, the four interview phases, and the special measures available at court, cited to the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
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What is an ABE interview and who does it apply to?
Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) is the framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children. It is governed by Ministry of Justice guidance and is used for video-recorded interviews that can be played as evidence-in-chief at court. The quality of the ABE interview can determine the outcome of a case.
The interview follows four phases — rapport building, free narrative, questioning, and closure — and the decision to use ABE is made by the officer in consultation with CPS. Depending on the witness, special measures such as a video-recorded interview, live video link, screens, an intermediary, or removal of wigs and gowns may follow.
A reference to the Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children, governed by Ministry of Justice guidance. It is educational reference, not tactical guidance — follow your force policy, training and current law.
What is ABE?
Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) is the framework for interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children. It is governed by Ministry of Justice guidance and is used for video-recorded interviews that can be played as evidence-in-chief at court. The quality of the ABE interview can determine the outcome of a case.
Who Qualifies?
Decision made by the officer in consultation with CPS.
- Under-18s (automatic)
- Victims of sexual offences
- Victims of serious violence
- Intimidated witnesses (gang-related, domestic abuse)
- Witnesses with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
4 Phases of an ABE Interview
1. Rapport Building
Establish trust, explain the process, set ground rules. Make the witness feel safe and comfortable before any questioning begins.
2. Free Narrative
Open question: "Tell me everything that happened." Do not interrupt. Let the witness give their full account in their own words and at their own pace.
3. Questioning
Use the funnel approach: open questions → specific questions → closed questions. Never use leading questions. Clarify and expand on the free narrative.
4. Closure
Summarise what was said, check accuracy with the witness, explain next steps in the process, and conduct a welfare check before ending the interview.
Special Measures Available
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Video-recorded interview | Played at court as evidence-in-chief |
| Live video link | Witness gives evidence from a separate room |
| Screens | To shield the witness from the defendant |
| Intermediary | Communication specialist for vulnerable witnesses |
| Removal of wigs and gowns | Less formal and intimidating courtroom environment |
Key Don'ts
- Don't lead the witness
- Don't use legal jargon
- Don't show photographs or evidence during interview
- Don't interrupt free narrative
- Don't interview in the presence of a suspect
- Don't rush — take breaks as needed
Related reading
Primary sources
BlueLineHub is independent and unofficial. Always verify with the authoritative source below.
- Verify on official source
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, section 16
Witnesses eligible for special measures on grounds of age or incapacity — the statutory basis for vulnerable-witness qualification (e.g. under-18s, witnesses with mental health conditions or learning disabilities).
Last checked: August 2026 - Verify on official source
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, section 17
Witnesses eligible for special measures on grounds of fear or distress about testifying — intimidated witnesses.
Last checked: August 2026 - Verify on official source
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, section 19
The special measures direction — the statutory route by which the court gives effect to the special measures available to an eligible witness.
Last checked: August 2026 - Verify on official source
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, section 24
The live link special measure — a witness giving evidence from a separate room.
Last checked: August 2026 - Verify on official source
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, section 27
Video-recorded evidence in chief — the statutory basis for playing the ABE video interview at court.
Last checked: August 2026
Frequently asked
- Who qualifies for an ABE interview?
- Under-18s automatically qualify, along with victims of sexual offences, victims of serious violence, intimidated witnesses (for example in gang-related or domestic abuse cases), and witnesses with mental health conditions or learning disabilities. The decision to use ABE is made by the officer in consultation with CPS.
- What are the four phases of an ABE interview?
- Rapport building (establishing trust and explaining the process), free narrative (an open, uninterrupted account from the witness), questioning (the funnel approach from open to specific to closed questions, never leading), and closure (summarising, checking accuracy, explaining next steps, and a welfare check).
- What special measures can follow from an ABE interview?
- A video-recorded interview played as evidence-in-chief, a live video link so the witness gives evidence from a separate room, screens to shield the witness from the defendant, an intermediary for communication support, or removal of wigs and gowns to make the courtroom less formal and intimidating.