police interrogation techniques
The police have been trained to get you to say things that are ultimately against your interest. They are trying to find suspects in a crime, and getting you to say such things is part of their job. The technique used is known as the Reid Interrogation Technique (a technique widely used by law-enforcement agencies in North America).
Using the Reid technique the interrogator attempts to get the suspect to admit guilt through the use of specific strategies such as alternative or contrasting questions, or offering the suspect two choices, one of which is more damaging than the other.
The following is a description of the nine steps of the Reid technique:
Step 1: Start with direct confrontation in order to lead the individual being interrogated into thinking that the evidence indicates he or she a suspect. Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place.
Step 2: Try to shift the blame away from the individual to some other person or set of circumstances that may have prompted them to commit the crime. That is, develop themes containing reasons that will justify or excuse the crime. Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive.
Step 3: Never allow the suspect to deny guilt. The Reid training video states: “If you’ve let him talk and say the words ‘I didn’t do it’, it is more difficult to get a confession. In fact, the more often a person says ‘I didn’t do it’, it will be increasingly more difficult to get a confession.”
Step 4: At this point, the accused will often give a reason why he or she did not or could not commit the crime. Try to use this to move towards the confession.
Step 5: Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive.
Step 6: During the interrogation, the suspect will become quieter and listen. At this time, move the theme discussion towards offering alternatives. If the suspect cries at this point, infer guilt.
Step 7: Pose the “alternative question,” giving two choices for what happened; one more socially acceptable than the other. The suspect is expected to choose the easier option, but whichever alternative the suspect chooses, guilt is admitted.
Step 8: Lead the suspect to repeat the admission of guilt in front of witnesses.
Step 9: Document the suspect’s admission and have him or her sign a confession.
Critics of the Reid technique contend that it can elicit false confessions from innocent persons. In fact, the use of the Reid technique is prohibited in Great Britain on youth because of the likelihood of false confessions and the wrongful convictions that result.
A very common complaint made by defendants is that the police report misstates what the defendant said, or that the way their statement is written is misleading. If you assert your right to remain silent you do not give the officer any statements that he or she can misquote or misconstrue.
Always remember your right to remain silent. Always have your attorney present during any interview with the police or investigators.
As a criminal defense attorney, I can protect your rights. Contact me for help.
~ Dan Koukol, Criminal Defense Attorney
