Interrogation of a minor suspect or accused: Problems and solutions

The range of problems of procedural interaction with minor suspects and accused persons present a particular challenge for pretrial investigation agencies. This study aims to analyze comprehensively the legal, psychological, and organizational difficulties associated with interrogating a minor suspect or accused person, followed by the development of scientifically substantiated methods for overcoming them. The study is based on a comprehensive comparative approach to procedural law, a systemic analysis of legislative frameworks, and a summary of law enforcement practice, supplemented by a synthesis of developmental and legal psychology concepts. A number of shortcomings were also identified, namely the participation of an attorney at law and legal representative is often nominal, having no significant impact on the investigator’s interaction with the person being interrogated; manipulative tactics are disguised as informal dialogue; procedural time constraints are systematically ignored; and investigative staff are insufficiently trained in developmental psychology and communication techniques. It is argued that institutional mechanisms for protecting the interests of minors are being transformed into a formalized procedure devoid of real content and failing to influence the quality of psychological interaction, which in some situations increases the emotional stress of the person being interrogated.The study demonstrates the need for a comprehensive reform of existing practices. A priority is the legislative establishment of the mandatory involvement of a psychologist specializing in the age-related characteristics of adolescents in procedural actions involving minors. Detailed methodological guidelines focusing on non-verbal interaction and building trusting relationships are also required. Video recording of investigative steps should be implemented without exception, ensuring the transparency of the procedure. At the same time, the author believes it would be advisable to introduce targeted educational programs for investigative staff specializing in working with this category of participants. The combination of the proposed reforms will transform the formal declaration of protection of minors into an effective mechanism ensuring the receipt of objective information while minimizing psychological trauma. This simultaneously serves to implement procedural objectives and humanistic imperatives.