NCJ Number
52767
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Volume: 33 Issue: 320 Dated: (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 1978) Pages: 190-195
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE APPROPRIATE INTERROGATION TECHNIQUE TO BE EMPLOYED IN A GIVEN CASE WILL DEPEND TO A LARGE EXTENT UPON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MAKEUP OF THE PARTICULAR SUSPECT BEING QUESTIONED.
Abstract
BEFORE COMMENCING THE INTERROGATION OF A SUSPECT, THE INTERROGATING OFFICER MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH ALL AVAILABALE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE BEING INVESTIGATED. THE OFFICER SHOULD CONSIDER WHETHER HE IS DEALING WITH A FIRST OFFENDER, A PERSON SUSPECTED OF COMMITTING A CRIME OF PASSION, A HARDENED PROFESSIONAL CRIMINAL, A MALE, OR A FEMALE. THIS KNOWLEDGE WILL ENABLE THE OFFICER TO TAILOR HIS QUESTIONS TO PRODUCE THE BEST RESULTS. OFTEN, INFORMATION OF THIS TYPE WILL HAVE TO BE ACQUIRED DURING THE PROCESS OF THE INTERROGATION ITSELF. THE INTERROGATING OFFICER MUST VARY HIS APPROACH AS THE QUESTIONING PROCEEDS. THE INTERROGATION SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN A ROOM WHICH LEAST RESEMBLES PRISON SURROUNDINGS. IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAS BEEN LESS EMPHASIS ON EXTRACTING CONFESSIONS AND INCREASED ATTENTION TO MATERIAL EVIDENCE WHICH IS ACQUIRED AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATIONS BASED ON LEADS DERIVED FROM OTHER INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM SUSPECTS. OTHER ASPECTS OF THE INTERROGATION PROCESS AND POLICY QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF VARIOUS MECHANICAL DEVICES AND DRUGS ARE DISCUSSED. THE CONTINUED VIABILITY OF TRADITIONAL METHODS OF POLICE QUESTIONING, POLICE-CITIZEN RELATIONS, AND THE ROLE OF THE MASS MEDIA ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. (MPK)