NCJ Number
99410
Date Published
1986
Length
364 pages
Annotation
This third edition adds new interrogation tactics and techniques and revises and rearranges earlier published techniques so they will fit the proposed nine steps in effective interrogation; the law on criminal interrogation and confessions is also explained.
Abstract
General guidelines for interrogation tactics and techniques cover preliminary preparations; initial precautionary measures to protect the innocent; characteristics of the interrogation room; and the qualifications, attitude, and general conduct of the interrogator. Particular tactics and techniques are specified for interrogating suspects whose criminal culpability is uncertain. The nine steps of effective interrogation are then applied to the circumstance where the suspect's guilt is reasonably certain. These steps include confrontation, theme development, handling denials, overcoming objections, obtaining and retaining the suspect's attention, handling the suspect's passive mood, presenting an alternative question, having the suspect describe the offense, and converting an oral into a written confession. General recommendations and suggestions for interrogations conclude the discussion of tactics and techniques. Confession and interrogation law are then explained. The appendix discusses the psychological principles of criminal interrogation. A subject index is provided.