NCJ Number
226270
Date Published
November 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with sex offenders and police in Australia, this series of four studies examined ways of increasing the likelihood that a guilty perpetrator of sexual assault would confess.
Abstract
All four studies indicate that evidence is likely to play an important part in many suspects’ decision to confess or deny their guilt. Evidence, especially eyewitness evidence, must be collected by the police and presented to the suspect in a convincing way. Three of the studies suggest that police officers should approach suspected sex offenders in an open-minded manner that is friendly, courteous, and empathetic rather than intimidating and domineering. One study indicates that experienced police officers involved in sex-crime investigations are supportive of the recommended approaches. The development of detailed strategies for interviewing and presenting persuasive evidence to suspected sex offenders requires further research and testing. The first study asked convicted sex offenders questions about the feelings they experienced during their most recent police interview and their reasons for confessing or denying their guilt. The second study collected quantitative data on convicted sex offenders’ perceptions of their own police interview and effective interview practices. The third study examined strategies for presenting witness evidence. The fourth study asked experienced police officers about their beliefs regarding conducting effective interviews with suspected sex offenders. 13 references