Forensic Statement Analysis & Credibility Assessment
We provide independent, expert-informed analysis of written statements, interview transcripts, complaint accounts, and witness evidence. Using Criteria-Based Content Analysis, Statement Validity Assessment principles, and established forensic linguistic methods, we identify credibility-related features, areas requiring clarification, and issues that may affect the reliability of an account.
Our role is not to decide whether someone is telling the truth. We provide a structured, evidence-informed assessment to assist legal, investigative, safeguarding, insurance, workplace, and private decision-making.
Criteria-Based Content Analysis & Statement Validity Assessment
Criteria-Based Content Analysis (CBCA) is a structured forensic method used to examine written or transcribed statements. Rather than relying on intuition or behavioural cues, it applies a systematic set of empirically derived criteria to the content of what a person has said or written.
The analysis considers several key dimensions of the statement, including:
- Content quality and specificity — the level of relevant detail, including sensory impressions, spatial information, and temporal sequencing.
- Structural coherence — whether the account contains features relevant to assessing the quality, origin, and internal structure of the statement.
- Internal consistency — whether the account remains logically consistent across different parts of the statement.
- Contextual embedding — the degree to which events are situated within a broader, plausible real-world context.
- Plausibility and verifiability — whether claimed events and circumstances are capable of independent corroboration.
Importantly, this method provides an expert-informed assessment of credibility indicators present within a statement. It does not, and cannot, serve as a standalone determination of whether someone is telling the truth. Findings should always be considered alongside other available evidence.
CBCA is often used as part of a broader Statement Validity Assessment (SVA) approach, which considers both the content of the statement and contextual factors such as interview conditions, disclosure history, possible contamination, and alternative explanations.
Key Principles
- fact_checkEvidence-based criteria: Each assessment criterion is grounded in peer-reviewed psychological research.
- balanceObjective and independent: Our analyses are impartial. We do not advocate for a particular outcome.
- shieldComplementary tool: Statement analysis supports, but does not replace, thorough investigation and corroboration.
- verified_userProfessional standards: All work is conducted in accordance with BPS and HCPC ethical guidelines.
Who Instructs Us
Our statement analysis service is available to a wide range of professionals and individuals who require an independent, evidence-informed assessment of credibility indicators within a written or verbal account.
What We Examine
Each statement is assessed against a structured set of qualitative indicators drawn from the established CBCA research literature.
Quantity & Quality of Detail
The richness, specificity, and relevance of reported details — including sensory impressions, spatial references, and temporal markers.
Spontaneous Corrections
Self-initiated amendments, clarifications, or admissions of incomplete memory — features that may assist in evaluating the quality and development of the account.
Contextual Information
The degree to which events are embedded within a broader, verifiable real-world setting — time, place, and surrounding circumstances.
Emotional & Cognitive Content
References to the account-giver's feelings, thoughts, and psychological state during the reported events.
Internal Consistency
Whether the account remains logically coherent across its parts, without unexplained contradictions or shifts in narrative.
Statement Structure
The organisation and flow of the narrative — including preamble length, core event detail, and post-event reporting patterns.
Alternative Explanations
Consideration of factors that might account for statement characteristics independent of truthfulness — such as coaching, suggestibility, or developmental factors.
Contamination Risk
Assessment of whether the account may have been influenced by leading questions, media exposure, repeated interviewing, or third-party discussion.
When Statement Analysis May Assist
Legal Case Review
Supporting solicitors, barristers, and courts with independent credibility assessments of witness or complainant statements in criminal, civil, and family proceedings.
Workplace Investigations
Assisting HR teams and corporate investigators with the analysis of accounts given during internal disciplinary, grievance, or whistleblowing procedures.
Safeguarding Concerns
Providing structured credibility assessments in cases involving child protection, vulnerable adults, or institutional safeguarding reviews.
Insurance & Civil Disputes
Expert analysis of claimant statements in disputed insurance, personal injury, or commercial litigation matters where account credibility is at issue.
Witness Statement Review
Systematic evaluation of witness accounts for consistency, detail quality, and structural indicators to inform case strategy and cross-examination preparation.
Investigative Strategy
Informing police and investigative teams by highlighting areas within statements that may warrant further inquiry, corroboration, or clarification.
Materials We Review
Statement analysis can be applied to a variety of documentary sources. Below are the types of material most commonly submitted for review.
Witness Statements
Interview Transcripts
Complaint Accounts
Police or Workplace Interview Records
Disclosure Timelines
Previous Versions of Statements
Supporting Documentation
Need an independent case assessment?
Our experts are available to discuss your requirements and advise on how statement analysis can support your investigation.
What to Expect
Each instruction follows a clear, structured workflow. Depending on the nature and complexity of your case, you may receive some or all of the outputs described below.
Preliminary Suitability Opinion
An initial assessment of whether the case is suitable for statement analysis.
Statement & Transcript Review
Detailed examination of submitted statements, transcripts, and supporting materials.
Structured CBCA-Informed Analysis
Systematic application of criteria-based content analysis and validity checks.
Written Advisory or Expert Report
A structured report suitable for legal, investigative, or professional use, where appropriate.
Recommendations for Clarification or Corroboration
Targeted guidance on areas that may warrant further inquiry or verification.
Conference with Legal, Investigative, or Professional Teams
Direct expert input through case conferencing, advisory calls, or oral evidence.
What the Report Includes
Depending on the nature and complexity of the instruction, your report may include some or all of the following elements.
Suitable & Less Suitable Cases
check_circle Suitable Cases
- checkWritten statements, transcripts, complaints, or interview records
- checkDisputed reliability, consistency, or development of an account
- checkMultiple versions of an account over time
- checkLegal, safeguarding, workplace, insurance, or private disputes requiring independent review
warning Less Suitable Cases
- closeExtremely brief accounts with insufficient material for analysis
- closeHeavily led or contaminated interviews
- closeNo reliable transcript, recording, or written record available
- closeRequests for a definitive finding of truth or deception
Research-Informed Approach
Our approach is informed by peer-reviewed research on Criteria-Based Content Analysis (CBCA), Reality Monitoring, forensic interviewing, and statement validity assessment. We do not treat any single criterion as proof of truthfulness. Findings are interpreted cautiously and in context.
Important Limitations
Statement analysis is a valuable forensic tool, but it operates within clearly defined boundaries. We are transparent about what it can and cannot do.
- block Does not determine guilt, innocence, or veracity. Statement analysis identifies and describes credibility indicators within an account. It cannot establish whether any individual is being truthful, nor can it determine legal culpability or exoneration.
- search_off Does not replace investigation. Our analysis complements — but never substitutes for — thorough investigative work, forensic evidence gathering, and due process.
- balance Must be considered alongside corroborating evidence. Findings should be weighed in the context of all available evidence, not treated as a standalone conclusion.
- record_voice_over Interview quality matters. The reliability of any statement analysis is influenced by the conditions under which the original statement was obtained, including interviewing technique and environment.
- contextual_token Context is essential. Individual, cultural, developmental, and situational factors must be accounted for when interpreting credibility indicators.
- history Disclosure history is relevant. The number, timing, and circumstances of prior disclosures may affect statement characteristics and are always considered in our assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarifications on our forensic statement analysis services.
Can statement analysis prove someone is lying? expand_more
No. Statement analysis does not prove whether someone is lying or telling the truth. It identifies credibility-related features within a statement, such as linguistic patterns, structural anomalies, and verbal indicators that may warrant further investigation. Findings should always be considered alongside other evidence.
Do you analyse verbal accounts? expand_more
Yes. We analyse both written statements and verbal accounts where there is a transcript, recording, or reliable written record. This includes police interviews, witness statements, corporate communications, and any documented account where credibility is in question.
Can statement analysis be used in court? expand_more
Yes, where appropriate. Statement analysis findings may be presented in advisory or expert-report format to assist legal proceedings, subject to the requirements of the instructing party and the legal context. Reports are structured to meet evidential standards where required.
How long does a review take? expand_more
Timelines depend on the volume and complexity of the material. We will provide an estimated timeframe following our initial review of your instruction.
Is the service confidential? expand_more
Yes. All enquiries and submitted materials are handled confidentially in accordance with our professional and ethical obligations.
Need an independent assessment of a statement’s credibility?
Submit a confidential enquiry. Our team will review your requirements and advise on the most appropriate analytical approach for your case.