Interrogation
Interrogation
In regard to interrogation, law enforcement officials have some questionable methods that are used when interviewing a suspect for a crime that has occurred. The class room text mentions many methods that police utilize when dealing with a potential suspect during their investigation for crimes committed. The scenario presented regarding the possible rape and murder suspect exhibits several aspects of what a typical interrogation may look like. Although the methodology behind the law enforcement’s legal rights to lie during the interrogation process may seem unethical and questionable, it is allowed in each and every case that is investigated.
There are specific techniques of training that can be found in the particular scenario that is presented for the discussion question. One of the common and well-known methods used in the United States is the Reid Technique, which many officers have been trained in. “The Reid Technique involves three components – factual analysis, interviewing, and interrogation” (Orlando, n.d; Reid, 2014). The foundation for the interrogation style presented in the example would most likely come from the Reid Technique, which employs the following steps in the process: “positive confrontation, theme development, handling denials, overcoming objections, procurement and retention of suspect’s attention, handling the suspect’s passive mood, presenting an alternative question, requesting the suspect orally relate various details of the crime, and conversion of oral confession to written confession” (Orlando, n.d.: Reid, 2014).
In addition to the Reid Technique, which is the one used most in the interrogation example presented for the DQ, there are some other’s that are used much less in the United States. There are two other methods most commonly used in the interrogation process in other countries, these include the PEACE method and the Kinesic Interview. The PEACE method, stands for “Preparation and Planning, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure and Evaluate (PEACE),” and is a much less invasive and confrontational approach compared to the Reid Technique (Orlando, n.d.). The other method called Kinesic Interview method is much more on par with the Reid Technique because there is an analysis of the suspect’s behavior, which is what is taken into account in determining the likelihood of the suspect’s guilt or innocence. There are four particular stages of this interview style- “1) orientation, 2) narration, 3) cross-examination, and 4) resolution” (Orlando, n.d.).
One could review the sample interrogation and clearly see that the Reid Technique is the one most likely used for the interrogation process of the rape and murder suspect; however, it is also possible that aspects of the Kinesic Interview method are also utilized. The similarity or congruency of the Reid Technique and Kinesic Interview process allow for each to be interchangeable in the approach selected for interrogation. Aspects of the Kinesic Interview are also likely to found in the example scenario that is used for the DQ. In reviewing the process used during the interrogation process, there is clearly an orientation that occurs prior to the interrogation that is presented, a narration can be seen in the interrogation when the suspect is told that he is guilty of the crime, along with the cross-examination that proceeds after the suspects waives his right to an attorney.
Based on the types of interrogation methods found, the United States opts for its law enforcement and government officials to stick to a more aggressive and intimidating form of interrogation using the Reid Technique and the Kinesic Interview process.
Reference
John Reid & Associates Inc.(2014). John Reid & Associates Inc. Retrieved from
http://www.reid.com/
Orlando, J. (n.d.). Interrogation Techniques. Retrieved from
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/rpt/2014-R-0071.htm
