Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings
Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures.
Applies to England and Wales
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Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) was originally published in 2002, when it replaced and extended the scope of the guidance set out in the Memorandum of Good Practice for Video-Recorded Interviews with Child Witnesses (Home Office, 1992). The second edition of the guidance was published in 2007 and a third was published in 2011. This is the fourth edition of ABE.
It covers the interview process for child and adult victims and witnesses during a criminal investigation, the pre-trial preparation process and the support available to witnesses in court. The interview guidance set out in ABE includes video-recorded interviews with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses where the recording is intended to be played as evidence-in-chief in court. ABE promotes a strong victim-centred and trauma-informed approach throughout the guidance.
Last updated 21 June 2023 + show all updates
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Guidance document updated.
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First published.