NCJ Number
105327
Date Published
1987
Length
170 pages
Annotation
This guide teaches peace officers the art of interrogation or controlled questioning, through basic concepts, legal principles, and practical techniques for getting legally admissible statements from criminals.
Abstract
It discusses these elements in reference to four constitutional amendments which test admissibility of a confession. It notes that the fourth amendment denies illegal search and seizure. Officers are advised to get an arrest warrant or to conduct interrogations in a noncustodial setting. A look at the fifth amendment, which forbids witnessing against oneself, observes that without custodial interrogation, no inherently compelling situation exists to require Miranda warnings. Concerning the sixth amendment, which guarantees right to counsel, the guide notes that once a suspect invokes this right, only he or she may initiate new waiver discussions or interrogation. Regarding the 14th amendment guaranteeing due process, officers are told to make sure that the interrogation is voluntary. Officers are further advised to prepare objectives and study the background of the suspect before questioning begins. Table of cases.