Full recommendations for judicial staff on how to work with an interpreter via video link can be found in Recommendations for the use of video-mediated interpreting in criminal proceedings (Braun, S. (2011). In Braun, S and Taylor, J (eds) 2011, Guildford: University of Surrey, 265 – 288.
Inspector García from the International Crime Unit sets up a video conference with a Polish-Spanish interpreter in order to question Bo, who is suspected of people trafficking. Bo denies all knowledge of this, saying he is in Spain on holiday. He is offered a solicitor, but refuses to cooperate.
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| Alberto García Police inspector |
Rosa Valenti Interpreters central |
Monika Swatonowska Interpreter |
Bo Iliescu A Polish delinquent |
This clip focuses on the use of video conferencing for the questioning of a suspect using an interpreter based in another location. The set-up process and interpreter briefing are shown, together with the conduct of the interview itself.
- What do you think the main challenges of interpreting via a video link might be?
- What particular precautions need to be taken when working in this way?
- Do you think that communication between the three parties was effective?
- Do you think that the progress of the interview would have been different if the interpreter had been physically present?