PEACE

The five-stage interview model every recruit is taught, set against the Code C and Code E rules that govern a police interview.

The expansion

P: Planning and preparation
E: Engage and explain
A: Account, clarification and challenge
C: Closure
E: Evaluation

What it is for

PEACE is the structure the College of Policing sets for interviews with suspects, witnesses and victims. The College's Investigation process guidance (December 2022, read 19 October 2026) says suspects "must be interviewed under PACE, using the PEACE model of investigative interviewing". Its Investigative interviewing guidance lists the five phases above.

Where it comes from

The model is the College's own. The legal frame is Crown copyright, quoted here from Code C (2023, in effect from 20 December 2023) and Code E (2018, in effect from 31 July 2018).

Code C paragraph 11.1A: "An interview is the questioning of a person regarding their involvement or suspected involvement in a criminal offence or offences which, under paragraph 10.1, must be carried out under caution." Before it starts the suspect "must be given sufficient information to enable them to understand the nature of any such offence". That is the planning stage in law.

Code E paragraph 4.3: the interviewer must say the interview is being recorded, give their "name and rank", ask everyone present to identify themselves and "state the date, time of commencement and place of the interview". Paragraph 3.6 then requires the caution and a reminder of free legal advice. That is engage and explain.

Code C paragraph 11.4: after cautioning, the interviewer "shall put to them any significant statement or silence" made earlier in a police officer's hearing. Paragraph 11.6 says the interview must cease once all relevant questions have been put, which "includes allowing the suspect an opportunity to give an innocent explanation and asking questions to test if the explanation is accurate and reliable". That is account, clarification and challenge.

Code C paragraph 11.7: "An accurate record must be made of each interview, whether or not the interview takes place at a police station." Closure and evaluation rest on that record.

When it is used

Every interview under caution, whether the suspect is detained or attends voluntarily, and every witness or victim interview. Code E paragraph 2.1 requires an authorised recording device for "any interview with a person cautioned in accordance with Code C, section 10" about a summary or indictable offence where a device and a suitable room are available.

This page is educational information about how officers are trained.

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Sources

Last updated 19 October 2026. Reviewed 19 October 2026