Episode 6: Asbjørn Rachlew

_{This episode draws on Police Superintendent Asbjørn Rachlew, the man who led the nine-month investigation into Anders Breivik after Norway’s deadliest mass shooting. He and Bruce discuss decision-making under pressure; the power of research-based investigative interviewing; and the importance of questioning our own biases.}

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Asbjørn on decisions

_{In the latest episode of The Art of Deciding, Bruce Whitfield’s guest, Norwegian Police Superintendent Asbjørn Rachlew takes us on a harrowing journey through one of Norway’s darkest days—the 2011 terrorist attack that left the nation in shock. This episode is not just about recounting the tragic events but understanding the decision-making processes that followed, particularly within Norway’s police force.

Asbjørn Rachlew, who led the investigation of Anders Breivk, shares his insights into how the police handled the aftermath and goes on to explain the importance of questioning biases and the revolutionary shift in interrogation techniques that Norway adopted following the attack. This approach moved away from confession-driven methods to a more research-based investigative interviewing technique, which focuses on gathering reliable information rather than forcing confessions.}

_{“We don’t judge and we don’t moralize.”}

_{The episode highlights how the police had to navigate a complex web of emotions, public pressure, and the need for justice. As Rachlew recounts, the decision-making process was not just about determining guilt or innocence but about understanding the deeper motives behind the perpetrator’s actions. This is where the concept of confirmation bias becomes crucial, as Rachlew emphasizes the need to consider alternative explanations and question our initial beliefs.}

_{“Our minds are desperately looking for evidence to confirm our beliefs and opinions.”}

_{We learn that the methodology used was designed to stimulate communication and ensure that suspects felt listened to and respected, regardless of their crimes. This approach is a stark contrast to the dramatized interrogations we often see in movies, focusing instead on building rapport and gathering accurate information.}

_{“Information is the lifeblood of the investigation.”}

_{Rachlew candidly shares his own experiences, including the moments when the weight of the situation broke through his professional composure, reminding us that behind every decision are individuals grappling with their own emotions and biases.

Listen, not only if you’re interested in true crime, psychology, or the intricacies of the justice system but also to understand the importance of questioning our assumptions and striving for objectivity in the pursuit of truth.}

_References:

_{Asbjorn Rachlew’s book, A Guide to the Professional Interview https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Professional-Interview-Research-based-Methodology/dp/1785277987}

_{Asbjorn Rachlew TEDx Talk https://youtu.be/1H8Mcku6adA?si=d63cLq5RkGSqQEBA}