Person reference in police interviews: A case study of domestic violence in Indonesia

Abstract

Person reference holds significant sway in judicial discourse, shaping perceptions of impartiality and esteem. It can convey partiality or reverence, whether through alignment with, or the humanization of, witnesses, victims, suspects, or defendants within legal contexts. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that verbal aggression or dehumanization may at times be construed as an expression of impartiality, as individuals employ language that inflicts harm upon others. This qualitative study delves into the utilization of person reference by two police investigators during their interrogation of a suspect implicated in a domestic violence incident. The dataset comprises transcripts from two experimental interview scenarios conducted by the investigators with one adult individual assuming the role of the suspect. The findings unveil that law enforcement personnel deployed formal nomination categories during interviews to establish a notable level of detachment between themselves and the subject of inquiry. The study highlights that despite efforts by the investigators to humanize the suspect, the shift from using honorifics such as "Bapak/Pak (Mr/Sir)" as a mark of deference for older males to the term "Saudara (metaphorical brother/sister)" within a legal framework, indicative of a lack of familiarity in the relationship, leads to an increase in social distance. This insight enhances our understanding of the nuanced impact of linguistic choices on law enforcement interactions, presenting valuable implications for enhancing the equity and efficacy of judicial discourse.