Kinesic Interrogation

• NCJ Number: 90567
• Author(s): R T Bonnett; P Kazlaoskas; J Bush; P Davis; L Cyrus; J Coleman; D Lipford; H Anderson; G Courtney; S Gilbert
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Fire/Arson Investigation Research Paper, July 11-29, 1983

Annotation

This paper describes the emotional and physical indicators of deception that may be manifested by the suspect and observed by the investigator in the course of an interrogation.

Abstract

The interrogator should have complete control of the time, location, and tone of the interview so as to put the suspect in a dependent posture even before the session begins. The interview room should have no windows, telephones, or other sources of distraction. From the outset of the interview, the interrogator should cultivate trust in the suspect. Intimidating mannerisms by the interrogator must be avoided. To permit close observation of the suspect's reactions, chairs for both the subject and interrogator should be armless, straight-backed, and positioned so the subject cannot lean against tables or walls. The interrogator's chair should be placed about 24-30 inches from the subject's chair, with the interrogator directly facing the subject, with one knee placed between the subject's knees to prevent crossing of the legs. Actions and manifestations that indicate deception are (1) attempts to move away from or avoid direct contact with the interrogator, (2) rapid pulse and respiration, (3) indications that the room is hot or cold, (4) the flushing or blanching of the skin, (5) reddening of the ears, (6) sensitivity in the nose that will cause the subject to touch it regularly, (7) dry mouth, and (8) the avoidance of eye contact with the interrogator or a conscious strain to maintain eye contact. The subject's attempts to control physical signs of deception can result in rigid control of the body, which will eventually show signs of stress. A signal that the subject is ready to make a confession is the sudden relaxation of the upper body, dropping of the shoulders, and hands open in a supplicating gesture of submission. Clusters of negative responses should cause the interrogator to return to sensitive areas of questioning. Five footnotes and eight bibliographic listings are provided.