Interviewing and Interrogation

[abbielives!]

At the national Earth First rondy this year I learned that at most community colleges in the US you can take a criminal justice class on police interrogation, so I did, these are the notes from it:




I. Definitions
A. Interrogation vs Interviewing
B. Benefits of Interrogation
To eliminate suspects; To determine full facts and circumstances of a crime; To determine the identity of all accomplices; To develop information leading to the recover of fruits of the crime, existence and location of additional evidence, etc.; To discover details of other criminal activity; to locate caches, hiding places, transmission systems, modus operandi and identity of all individuals engaged in illegal traffic of contraband; To develop information to be used as a basis for additional or future interrogation of the same suspect; To develop information and leads originating from other sources; To develop information and investigative leads in other matters of interest to the department and; as preparatory to polygraph screening of suspects.

II Interrogation Room
A. Location
B. Description
C. Purpose
D. Importance

II. Preliminary Preparations
A. Backgrounds of Suspect, Victim, Crime - Importance and what this includes

III. Three Approaches to Interrogation
A. Treat Suspect as though he is considered Guilty
B. Treat Suspect as though he is considered innocent
C. Assume a neutral posture

IV Attitude and Conduct

V. Tactics & Techniques

VI Mechanics of Questioning
A. Good Questions
B. Questioning Techniques

VII Emotions of Primary Concern to the Interrogator

What is the significance of recognizing these emotions? Can they be influenced? How?
A. Anger
B. Fear
C. Neutral Excitement

VIII Observable Symptoms of Emotion
Physical Symptoms of Emotion
A. Dryness of Mouth, Restlessness, Excessive Sweating, Pulsation of the Carotid Artery, Changes in Complexion, Excessive Swallowing, Avoidance of eye contact, Evasiveness, Excessive assertions of truthfulness

IX Influences to accuracy of information from individuals
A. Recognition, Suggestion, Bias, Submission, Perception,
Memory
B. Understand & describe the significance
C. Physical Influence Factors

X Emotional Offenders vs. Non Emotional Offenders
A. Type of crimes committed by each
B. Tactics will be influenced by the type of offender

XI Tactics & Techniques
A. Be able to describe various tactics
1. Air of Confidence
2. Point Out Circumstantial Evidence of guilt


3. Calling attention to physical and Psychological symptoms of guilt
4. Sympathizing with suspect
5. Minimize moral seriousness of offense
6. Suggesting less revolting reasons for the offense
7. Condemning or placing blame on others
8. Display understanding and urging truthfulness
9. Point out exaggeration on part of the victim
10. Seek admission of lying about some incidental aspect
11. Flattery
12. Point out futility of resistance to truth
13. Point out grave consequences of continued criminal behavior
14. Play one suspect against the other

XII Explain the significance of Privacy to Interrogation

XIII Distinguish Between Interrogation and Interviewing

XIV Evaluation of Verbal and Nonverbal Responses
Identify external factors influencing the accuracy of behavior symptoms as discussed in class
Identify behavioral attitudes typical of truthful persons
Identify behavioral attitudes typical of deceptive persons
Identify the three principles of verbal behavior symptoms

XV Legal Aspects of Interrogation - Understand the Concepts of specific cases identified
Meaning of Custody
Voluntariness
McNabb-Mallory Rule
Edwards Vs. Arizona
Emergency Exception to Miranda Requirement
Beckwith Vs. United States
Oregon Vs. Elstad
Requirements for Waiver of Miranda Rights
Definition of Interrogation

XVI Behavior Symptom Analysis
A. Define & Understand use
B. Identify the three uses of Behavior Analysis in interrogation and interviewing
C. Identify the principles of Behavior Symptom Analysis

XVII Behavior Analysis Interview
A. Define and Understand use

XVIII Nine Steps of Interrogation - Understand steps and the definitions of each phase

XIX Seven Categories of Criminals
The Accidental Criminal
The Irresponsible Criminal
Psychopath-Sociopath
Psychoid Criminal
The Neurotic
The Situational Criminal
The Professional Criminal


Identify elements or "concepts" concerning the attitude and conduct of the interviewer necessary for successful interrogation techniques.

do not prejudge anyone; subdue all personal prejudices; keep an open mind; receptive to all information regardless of its nature; try to evaluate each development on its own merit; adopt comparable language; learn to refrain from trying to impress the suspect, unless such action is used as a specific device or technique; deliberate or implied promises that cannot be fulfilled are unethical and cannot be justified; in some instances, the use of deception, such as staged events or bluffs, may be acceptable. deliberate or implied promises are unethical and cannot be justified; never underestimate the mentality or physical endurance of the suspect; do not assume contemptuous attitudes (unless used as a specific technique); deliberate or implied promises are unethical and cannot be justified; create an attitude of truth seeking; do not take notes; leave paper, pen and recording devices, etc. out of sight; avoid the use of harsh words; treat the suspect with respect and dignity; conceal emotions and reactions (unless designed as a specific technique); aviod smoking, fumbling with objects; the suspect should never be handcuffed during the interrogation; display total confidence in your actions; be a good listener, be patient and be persistant; learn to size up the suspect and apply tactics most appropriate

Identity "Physical Influence Factors" that must be considered during interviews and interrogations.
Smoking; Alcohol; Drugs; Coffee and Tea (Caffeine); Fatigue; Hunger and Thirst; Age

Identify the best and worst locations in which to conduct interrogations and explain why this is true.
Interrogation Room - Suspect’s home

Identify three characteristics of good questions.
questions should be short and address one topic; questions should be clearly understood; use soft terms: take rather than steal, discuss rather than confess and relations rather than rape, etc.; use precise questions requiring a specific answer.



Identify the three principal procedures for applying questioning techniques.
free narrative; direct examination; cross examination

Positive and negative affects of providing coffee to a suspect during the interrogation process.

Privacy is the most important psychological factor affecting the interrogation.

Identify specific aspects of information about a suspect that will be valuable to the interrogator.

Background information including criminal history; Attitude toward the investigation (i.e., hostile or cooperative); Relationship to the victim or crime scene; Incriminating facts or possible motives; Prior statements or alibi offered by the suspect; Religious or fraternal associations or prejudices; Home/social environment; Social attitudes; Hobbies; Sexual interests or deviations; The suspect's opportunity to commit the offense

Conditions that need consideration in developing the "ideal" interrogation room.
Soundproof, small, bright lighting, privacy, no barriers, no exterior windows, visual and audio monitoring

The difference between interrogation and interview.
INTERVIEWS - non accusatory; two people are communicating; little or no evidence exists in the case; no formal charges lodged against the individual; miranda warnings are not required; low time factor involved



INTERROGATIONS - accusatory in nature; the interviewer dominates the conversation; guilt is reasonably certain; evidence is insinuated to suspect; miranda is required if suspect is in custody; privacy is essential; time is not limited; no notes

Significance of attire in the interview process sets the “perception stage” Be comfortable, but remember that clothing is a prop

Identify the three general approaches to interrogation.
Guilty/Innocent/Neutral

Identify Tactics & Techniques that may be utilized when guilt is certain.

Identify Tactics & Techniques that may be utilized when guilt is less than certain.

Identify Nonverbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception.

Identify Nonverbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception.

Define Behavior Symptom Analysis.

Define the Behavioral Analysis Interview.

Explain the Nine Steps of Interrogation.

Identify the various factors courts have considered in determining voluntariness.

Identify the meaning of custody as it relates to interrogation.

What is the meaning of interrogation as it relates to Miranda issues.

When must a suspect be advised of the Miranda Warning.

Identify the elements of the “Public Safety Exception to Miranda.”

Public Safety Exception to Miranda
Three elements must be present:
1. Urgency of need in that no other course of action promises relief;
2. The possibility of saving human life by rescuing a person whose life is in danger;
3. Rescue is the primary purpose and motive of the interrogator.
People v. Kleber, 1993
Once a suspect has indicated he does not wish to be subjected to further interrogation by police until an attorney has been provided, the police must honor that request unless the suspect initiates further communication with police.

If the request for an attorney is ambiguous, the police have a very limited exception to ask questions to clarify the ambiguity.

McNabb vs United States, 1943
The Supreme Court found that inasmuch as there had been no coercion, threats, or abuse used in securing the confessions, there would ordinarily be no question or problem of Constitutional law concerning the admissibility of the confessions, however "Judicial supervision of the administration of Criminal Justice in the Federal Courts implies the duty of establishing and maintaining 'civilized standards of procedure and evidence' and that such standards are not satisfied merely by observance of minimal historic safeguards summarized as due process of law."

The Supreme Court indicated that the statute requiring persons arrested to be promptly taken before a committing magistrate, aims to avoid all evil implications of secret interrogation of persons accused of crime, and constitutes an important safeguard not only in securing protection of the innocent but also in securing conviction of the guilty, by methods that commend themselves to a progressive and self-confident society."

Mallory vs United States, 1957
The Supreme Court deemed it necessary to render inadmissible the incriminating statement secured from the defendant because it was solicited from him during a period of unlawful detention.

The Court further indicated that in as much "as the defendant was not told of his right to counsel, or to preliminary examination before a magistrate, nor was he warned that he could keep silent and that any statement he made could be used against him," it is "deemed necessary to render inadmissible incriminating statement solicited from the defendant during a period of unlawful detention."

Mallory was arrested the day after a reported rape and was taken, along with his brother's two sons, to police headquarters. They were questioned for approximately 30 minutes and agreed to a polygraph examination. Mallory was tested after polygraph tests and questioned a half hour later during which he confessed. His conviction was reversed because of the statutory prohibition against "unreasonable delay" in presenting him to a judicial officer.
The Supreme Court found that inasmuch as there had been no coercion, threats, or abuse used in securing the confessions, there would ordinarily be no question or problem of Constitutional law concerning the admissibility of the confessions, however "Judicial supervision of the administration of Criminal Justice in the Federal Courts implies the duty of establishing and maintaining civilized standards of procedure and evidence and that such standards are not satisfied merely by observance of minimal historic safeguards summarized as due process of law."

The Supreme Court indicated that the statute requiring persons arrested to be promptly taken before a committing magistrate, aims to avoid all evil implications of secret interrogation of persons accused of crime, and constitutes an important safeguard not only in securing protection of the innocent but also in securing conviction of the guilty, by methods that commend themselves to a progressive and self-confident society."

The historic test in terms of admissibility of a confession is whether after the court has assessed the totality of all the surrounding circumstances, including the characteristics of the accused and the details of the interrogation, is the confession voluntary?
Essentially, was the defendant's will overborne at the time he confessed?

In terms of the totality of circumstances concerning the voluntariness of the confession, the courts have considered the various factors including but not exclusive of the following:
The youth of the accused;
The lack of education of the accused;
The low intelligence of the accused;
The lack of any advice to the accused concerning his constitutional rights;
The length of the detention of the accused;
The repeated and prolonged nature of the questioning of the accused;
Physical punishment, such as deprivation of food or sleep;
The physical condition of the accused, i.e., was he injured, etc.;
The criminal experience of the accused;
The nationality of the accused and his familiarity with the language;
The number of officers who questioned the accused;
The type of deception used on the accused;
Whether the accused was made a public spectacle to intimidate the suspect;
The psychological pressures used on the suspect;
The moral pressures used on the accused;
The use of drugs or liquor by the accused or given to him to obtain a confession;
Police conduct generally toward the accused.

[abbielives!]

more:



Behavioral Symptom Analysis is the verbal and nonverbal aspects of behavior which are symptomatic of truthfulness of a suspect, victim or witness.

Behavior Analysis in interrogation and interviewing provides: an Evaluation of the truthfulness of victim, witness, or suspect; Guiding the interrogator on further activity with subject and; Informs interrogator if approach is correct

Principles of Behavior Symptom Analysis include: Non verbal behavior is more important than verbal; Non verbal is responsible for more than half of communication; Real meaning of statement is modified, emphasized, or conflicted by behavior; The unconscious mind generally controls nonverbal behavior; Behavior of the interrogator has an influence on the behavior of the suspect

Factors influencing the accuracy of behavior symptoms include: What the person has to lose if they are shown guilty and; What they fear losing-i.e., freedom, job, status, money, family.

Behavioral attitudes typical of truthful persons include: Person seems reasonable & rational, smooth movements and speech patters; alert, sincere, pays attention; show up on time and are willing to take a polygraph; answers questions without delay; speech, body posture are open; innocent are unyielding and will not back down; sincere and in affect all of the above.

Behavioral attitudes typical of deceptive persons include: Overly anxious, confused, unnatural movements and out of self control; unconcerned, "big joke"; non cooperative, unjustified anger; evasive, avoids direct answers; overly polite; acceptant-more difficult to anger; complaining; guarded.

The three principles of verbal behavior symptoms are: 1. Verbal is more controlled than non verbal symptoms; 2. Verbal must be put in perspective by the nonverbal observations; 3. Verbal answers may be analyzed and categorized as more typical of truthful or deceptive.

The Behavioral Analysis Interview is a non accusatory interview in which a structured set of questions are asked, some of which are for the purpose of eliciting verbal and nonverbal behavior symptoms indicative of truth or deception.

The purpose of the interrogation theme as used in the nine steps of interrogation is to offer and excuse or justification in the mind of the suspect to elicit the first admission of guilt.

Three objectives for handling denials include: Listen and evaluate; stop all subsequent denials; evaluate those denials you cannot stop.

Objections for the purposes associated with the nine steps of interrogation are statements or reasons that are proposed by the suspect as an excuse or reason why the accusation is false.

An alternative is a question in which the suspect is offered two incriminating choices concerning some aspect of the crime.

Distinguish between interrogations and interviews.
Interviews Interrogations
1. Non accusatory 1. Accusatory in nature
2. Two people are communicating 2. The interviewer dominates the conversation
3. Little or no evidence exists in the case 3. Guilt is reasonably certain
4. No formal charges lodged 4. Evidence is insinuated to suspect
5. Miranda warnings are not required 5. Miranda is required if suspect is in custody
6. Low time factor involved 6. Privacy is essential
7. Time is not limited
8. No notes



Tactics and Techniques for the Interview of Suspects Whose Guilt is Definite or Reasonably Certain

The interviewing approach to be used in this perspective will depend to a considerable extent upon the nature of the offense, the offender's motivation, and the reaction to the commission of the offense.

On the basis of these considerations, criminal offenders are subject to a rather loose and flexible classification as either emotional or non-emotional offenders.

Emotional Offenders
Primarily offenders who commit crimes against persons. Usually experiences a greater feeling of remorse, mental anguish or compunction as a result of his act than is true of most other offenders. These individuals possess a "troubled conscience."
Because of this feeling of guilt, the most effective tactics and techniques to utilize are those based primarily upon sympathetic considerations regarding his offense and his present difficulty. This can be referred to more appropriately as "The Sympathetic Approach."

Non-Emotional Offenders
This includes primarily offenders who commit crimes for financial gain. The offender ordinarily does not experience the troubled conscience characteristic of the emotional offender. The primary concern of this offender is whether he will be caught or convicted.

Generally, the most effective tactics are based upon a factual analysis approach. By this, it is meant that techniques appealing to the subject's common sense and reasoning rather than his emotions. This does not eliminate the use of emotional appeals during the interrogation process.

1. Display an air of confidence in the subject's guilt
2. Point out some, but by no means all, of the circumstantial evidence indicative of a subject's guilt
3. Call attention to the subject's physiological and psychological symptoms of guilt
5. Reduce the subject's guilt feeling by minimizing the moral seriousness of his offense - Particularly effective in sex cases.
6. Suggest a less revolting and more morally acceptable motivation or reason for the offense than that which is known or presumed
7. Sympathize with the subject by (1) Condemning his victim, (2) Condemning his accomplice, or (3) Condemning anyone else upon whom some degree of moral responsibility might conceivably be placed for the commission of the crime in question. The psychological basis for this technique can be appreciated quite readily by anyone who will reflect upon his own non-criminal wrongdoing and upon the occasions (particularly during childhood) when he had to "own up" to them.
8. Utilize displays of understanding and sympathy in urging the subject to tell the truth
9. Point out the possibility of exaggeration on the part of the accuser or victim or exaggerate the nature and seriousness of the offense.
10. Have the subject place himself at the scene of the crime or in some sort of contact with the victim or the occurrence. This technique's basic validity is illustrated in the questioning of a child regarding his mischievous conduct, or even the taking of something which did not belong to him. If he will admit that he was present when the act occurred, his acceptance of full responsibility is not far behind.
11. Seek an admission of lying about some incidental aspect of the occurrence
12. Appeal to the subject's pride by well selected flattery or by a challenge to his honor
13. Point out the futility of resistance to telling the truth. With all offenders, and in particularly the non-emotional type, the interrogator must not only convince the subject that his guilt has been detected, but that it can also be established by the evidence currently available.
14. Point out to the subject the grave consequences and futility of a continuation of his criminal behavior
Many offenders possess a fleeting desire or intention to reform (remember saying to yourself: God if I get out of this, I promise I will never...).
15. Rather than seek a general admission of guilt, first ask the subject a question as to some detail of the offense, or inquire as to the reason for its commission.
16. When co-offenders are being interrogated and the previously described techniques have been ineffective, "play one against the other"


Tactics and Techniques for the Interview of Suspects Whose guilt is Uncertain

1. Ask the subject if he knows why he is being questioned. A guilty person who is asked such a question as this is immediately in a vulnerable defensive position. If he professes ignorance when circumstances indicate his awareness, that fact alone becomes of most significant value. If he admits knowing why he is being interviewed, he may be kept on the defensive either by his own feeling of a necessity to offer an immediate explanation of his pretended innocence, or in the event he offers no unsolicited explanation, by an additional question such as, "Well, what do you know about it?"
2. Ask the subject to relate all he knows about the occurrence, the victim and possible suspects.
By inquiring of the subject to reveal his suspicions as to who the guilty person may be, the interrogator may evoke a significant and reliable indication of the subject's guilt or innocence.
3. Obtain from the subject, detailed information about his activities before, at the time of and after the incident in question.
4. When certain facts suggestive of guilt are known, ask him about them rather casually and as though the real facts were not already known.
5. At various intervals, ask the subject certain pertinent questions in a manner which implies that the correct answers are already known and that the interviewer is only interested in whether or not the subject is willing to tell the truth.
6. Refer to some non-existing incriminating evidence to determine whether the subject will attempt to explain it away; if he does, that fact is suggestive of guilt
7. Ask the subject whether he ever "thought" about committing the offense in question or one similar to it.
8. If a suspect offers to make restitution, that fact is paramount to a confession and is highly indicative of guilt.
9. Ask the subject if he is willing to take a polygraph test. The innocent person will usually agree to practically any test to prove his innocence, whereas the guilty person is prone to refuse the test or to find excuses for not taking it, or backing out of a commitment to take it.
10. A subject who tells the interrogator, "All right, I'll tell you what you want, but I didn't do it," is in all probability guilty and should be permitted to continue.



Nine steps of Interrogation
Step One: Direct Positive Confrontation
A. Presentation of fact synopsis to suspect.
B. Reference to evidence, real or fictional.
C. Suspect is told that he is involved in the crime.
D. Behavioral observation of the suspect.
E. Restatement of confrontation stronger or weaker.
Step Two: Theme Development
A. Transition phrases from confrontation.
B. Propose reasons that will justify or excuse the commission of the crime.
C. Behavioral assessment of the suspect to choose proper theme.
D. Longest portion of the nine steps.
Step Three: Stopping Denials
A. Both guilty and innocent deny the accusation.
B. Starts during direct confrontation.
C. Absence of denials in step two indicates probable guilt.
D. Interrogator recognizes and stops the denial before it is completed.
E. Progress is indicated by cessation or weakening of denials.
Step Four: Overcoming Objections
A. Proposes a reason why suspect allegedly did not commit the crime.
B. Normally offered by only the guilty.
C. Indicates progress in the interrogation if given after denials.
D. Handled differently than denials by first listening and accepting.
E. Proper handling of objections helps overcome the suspect's defenses.
Step Five: Getting the Suspect's Attention
A. Suspect is on defensive and is tense and confused.
B. The themes will work only if suspect is listening.
C. Interrogator reaches peak of sincerity in his speech.
D. Physical closeness and use of verbal techniques to command attention.
E. Physical gestures of sincerity are used to establish attitude of understanding and concern.
Step Six: The Suspect Quiets and Listens
A. The physical signs of surrender begin to appear.
B. The themes are shortened and lead towards the alternatives.
C. Establishment of eye contact is most important.
D. Tears at this stage indicate suspect's guilt.
Step Seven: Alternatives
A. Non-threatening to suspect, they concern some minor aspect of the crime.
B. Gives choice between acceptable reason and unacceptable reason for committing the crime.
C. One alternative is stressed to lead suspect to choose the positive alternative.
D. Either choice is an admission of guilt.
Step Eight: Bringing the Suspect into the Conversation
A. The acceptance of one alternative is reinforced by the interrogator.
B. The suspect is encouraged to talk about aspects of the crime.
C. The use of realistic words is introduced by the interrogator.
D. Initial corroboration of the confession begins.
E. Oral witnessing of admissions by second person.
Step Nine: The Confession
A. Reduction of oral statements into written, typed or recorded form.
B. Voluntariness of statement is established along with corroboration of details.
C. Suspect's signing of statement is witnessed by second person.

[abbielives!]

still more:



Criminal Psychology

Criminal Psychology is that branch of the science which is concerned with and which treats the criminal mind and mentality, and with the end product of the criminal mind, crimes and criminal behavior.

It would be helpful to classify criminals and criminal activity and its various aspects and manifestations for the interrogator.

Seven Categories of Criminals

The Accidental Criminal
The Irresponsible Criminal
Psychopath-Sociopath
Psychoid Criminal
The Neurotic
The Situational Criminal
The Professional Criminal

The Accidental Criminal

An individual who commits a criminal act and does so with no criminal intent. The commission of the crime is accidental and incidental (e.g., negligent homicide) involving reckless or careless conduct.

Successful interrogation of the accidental criminal presents no serious difficulty to the interrogator. A burden of guilt is prevalent in this type of offender who is more than willing to relieve his mind by cooperating with the police.

The Situational Criminal

An individual who knowingly commits the criminal act, after exercising free will in the matter and has the intent to commit such act.

The rationalization of the individual is the result of faulty or at least selfish reasoning which erroneously allows the individual to fit details and circumstances of the crime into a convenient pattern which fulfills real or imagined needs.

There will be no great need for deep and concentrated interrogation. The offender will tend towards cooperation with the police. Motivation for this cooperation usually stems from a feeling on his part that if he cooperates, his guilt will somehow be lessened, and any subsequent punishment will be lightened. An admission is often followed by rationalization on the part of the suspect.

Irresponsible Criminals

Those individuals who commit crimes, but who are not and cannot be held responsible for the consequences of their actions (e.g., small children and the mentally insane).

Irresponsible criminals do not have the mental capacity to recognize either the nature of the criminal act, or to appreciate the fact of the consequences of criminal activity.

Psychopath-Sociopath

The vast majority of criminals are psychopaths. The psychopath is the type of individual who will be a matter of continuing concern to the police and the interrogator. This type of person fills the jails and prisons.

The term psychopath connotes a somewhat abnormal personality that does not lend itself to exact definition. Probably the best single approach for the interviewer to assume is to consider the individual possessing the psychopathic personality at a level something less than normal. Normal implies being in agreement with both self and with the environment. This individual is however, in excellent touch with reality and his environment.
The main types of psychopaths can be classified as follows:

1. The excitable personality
2. The inadequate personality
3. Pathological liars
4. Pathological swindlers
5. Sexually deviated or sexual psychopaths

Social inadequacy is one of the prime manifestations of the psychopath and most give evidence of this condition. Characteristically, the psychopath is usually in disharmony with his environment and is emotionally immature. This individual is generally unhappy and unable to conform. Thus, few friendships are developed and he tends to be a "lone wolf."

Psychopaths have an extremely low tolerance of frustration and at the slightest provocation, will engage in fighting, flights into alcoholism or drug addiction, or otherwise attempt to evade the stress producing agent. He will always be able to rationalize concerning his escape mechanisms, often quite convincingly.

The psychopath is often unable to profit from his experience and mistakes.

Frustration and toleration levels may provide a key to successful interviewing, and if he can be pushed beyond his ability to resist, he can be successfully interviewed.

The inadequate personality psychopath may sometimes be motivated to confess by simply concentrating on the theme that the individual "never had a chance," and "that fate, society, and everyone that he knew or associated with had always taken advantage of him."

Antisocial psychopaths may be approached with the theme that regardless of what had happened to the individual who was victimized, he most probably had deserved what had occurred.

The sexual psychopath is often motivated to confess by intimation that the victim had really been responsible for the crime.

Psychoid Criminal (Schizoid-Paranoid)

Crimes committed by the psychoid criminal tend toward extreme violence, wanton and unnecessary cruelty, bizarre circumstances, and an apparent lack of motive. The schizoid knows the difference between right and wrong.

The psychoid presents may aspects and symptoms of the psychotic and possesses extremely poor contact with reality. This type of individual barely manages to make minimal adjustment to society.

One of the easily recognizable symptoms of the schizoid is the paranoid tendency and belief that someone is persecuting him. Suspicions are often carried to ridiculous lengths.

The characteristics of the criminal acts committed by the schizoid personality are crimes involving excessive amounts of extreme physical violence and brutality. He will have enjoyed no close or meaningful relationships with other people.

The key to successful interrogation of this type of individual, like the psychopath, lies within the personality structure of the individual himself. Concentration must be upon the emotional, impulsive and compulsive areas that comprise the personality. Agreeing with the psychoid to the effect that he most probably had good and sufficient cause for the commission of the offense is one of the best means to motivate the confession.

Intimation that he was forced to stand more aggravation than a normal person could bear is an excellent device for achieving successful results.

Stress the fact that he is lonely and without friends, (except you), developing the arousal of self-pity to the extent that he will break down emotionally and tell the whole story.

One of the mental mechanisms involved in this process is an unconscious desire on the part of the individual to repay the interviewer for his kindness and sympathy that he has extended by doing what the interviewer wants.

Neurotic Criminal

The greatest number of crimes are committed by the criminal psychopath, the next greatest number is committed by the neurotic criminal. That is a person with a problem. The neurotic is legally and medically sane. He knows that his acts are criminal, and that he can and will be punished for them.

Neurotics are under tremendous pressures and tensions of which they are acutely aware. They have no adequate realization of what is wrong, and therefore are in a poor position to take intelligent steps to relieve the pressure.

Again, the key to interviewing is within the confines of the mind or personality of the individual. During the interview, if pressures and tensions are created and carefully built up and magnified, the confession will be secured through the same action of the same forces that caused the criminality in the first place, the release of intolerable pressures and tensions.

The Professional Criminal

From a psychological standpoint, the professional criminal is normal. One common denominator of this type is the fact that he will never take unnecessary chances.

Basically, this type of individual makes a simple error of judgment. This error in judgment is to the effect that the nature of man is basically dishonest rather than honest, and that man, by inclination and preference is a habitual liar, thief, and cheat rather than decent, honest and law-abiding. He thinks that only he and his kind are in step and that the rest of the world is out of step.

The best single approach to successful interviewing is a complete and exhaustive investigation, with the capability of presenting the most complete and convincing array of evidence, with overwhelming proof, to him for his consideration.

Even here, however, he is playing the odds, and the confession will be made in an attempt to "trade" the confession for some consideration or degree of leniency.

[abbielives!]

even more:



Identify preliminary preparations necessary for ensuring successful interrogations.
Victim/Suspect/Crime Itself

Identify elements or "concepts" concerning the attitude and conduct of the interviewer necessary for successful interrogation techniques.

do not prejudge anyone; subdue all personal prejudices; keep an open mind; receptive to all information regardless of its nature; try to evaluate each development on its own merit; adopt comparable language; learn to refrain from trying to impress the suspect, unless such action is used as a specific device or technique; deliberate or implied promises that cannot be fulfilled are unethical and cannot be justified; in some instances, the use of deception, such as staged events or bluffs, may be acceptable. deliberate or implied promises are unethical and cannot be justified; never underestimate the mentality or physical endurance of the suspect; do not assume contemptuous attitudes (unless used as a specific technique); deliberate or implied promises are unethical and cannot be justified; create an attitude of truth seeking; do not take notes; leave paper, pen and recording devices, etc. out of sight; avoid the use of harsh words; treat the suspect with respect and dignity; conceal emotions and reactions (unless designed as a specific technique); aviod smoking, fumbling with objects; the suspect should never be handcuffed during the interrogation; display total confidence in your actions; be a good listener, be patient and be persistant; learn to size up the suspect and apply tactics most appropriate

Identify the three general approaches to interrogation.
Innocent/Guilty/Neutral

Identity "Physical Influence Factors" that must be considered during interviews and interrogations.
Smoking; Alcohol; Drugs; Coffee and Tea (Caffeine); Fatigue; Hunger and Thirst; Age

Identify the best and worst locations in which to conduct interrogations and explain why this is true.
Interrogation Room - Suspect’s home

Identify three characteristics of good questions.
Questions should be short and address one topic; questions should be clearly understood; use soft terms: take rather than steal, discuss rather than confess and relations rather than rape, etc.; use precise questions requiring a specific answer.



Identify the three principal procedures for applying questioning techniques.
Free narrative; direct examination; cross examination

Positive and negative affects of providing coffee to a suspect during the interrogation process.

Privacy is the most important psychological factor affecting the interrogation.

Identify specific aspects of information about a suspect that will be valuable to the interrogator.

Background information including criminal history; Attitude toward the investigation (i.e., hostile or cooperative); Relationship to the victim or crime scene; Incriminating facts or possible motives; Prior statements or alibi offered by the suspect; Religious or fraternal associations or prejudices; Home/social environment; Social attitudes; Hobbies; Sexual interests or deviations; The suspect's opportunity to commit the offense

Conditions that need consideration in developing the "ideal" interrogation room.
Soundproof, small, bright lighting, privacy, no barriers, no exterior windows, visual and audio monitoring

The difference between interrogation and interview.
INTERVIEWS - non accusatory; two people are communicating; little or no evidence exists in the case; no formal charges lodged against the individual; miranda warnings are not required; low time factor involved



INTERROGATIONS - accusatory in nature; the interviewer dominates the conversation; guilt is reasonably certain; evidence is insinuated to suspect; miranda is required if suspect is in custody; privacy is essential; time is not limited; no notes

Significance of attire in the interview process sets the “perception stage” Be comfortable, but remember that clothing is a prop

Benefits derived from interrogation.
To eliminate suspects; To determine full facts and circumstances of a crime; To determine the identity of all accomplices; To develop information leading to the recover of fruits of the crime, existence and location of additional evidence, etc.; To discover details of other criminal activity; to locate caches, hiding places, transmission systems, modus operandi and identity of all individuals engaged in illegal traffic of contraband; To develop information to be used as a basis for additional or future interrogation of the same suspect; To develop information and leads originating from other sources; To develop information and investigative leads in other matters of interest to the department and; as preparatory to polygraph screening of suspects.

Explain the difference in the two broad categories of criminal offenders and the appropriate general approach to take with either.
Emotional Offenders/Non Emotional Offenders

Identify the three general approaches to interrogation.

Guilty/Innocent/Neutral

Emotions of primary concern to the interrogator are anger, fear and excitement. These involve mental and physical processes which prepare the individual to meet an unexpected emergency. Physically, they are generally identical, however a definite mental distinction exists. The interrogator can often control the type and strength of the emotion generated.
Human Factors affecting Interrogation/Interviews: Psychological Issues: Perception, Memory, Recognition, Suggestion, Bias, Submission



Nonverbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception
Body Postures
Truthful
1. Sit upright 2. Frontal alignment with the interviewer 3. Lean forward on occasion and not afraid to get close
4. Open and relaxed posture although usually not immediately 5. Smooth changes of posture that do not only occur when responding verbally
Deceptive
1. Slouching - Particularly noteworthy of a person with status 2. Extremely rigid posture - Sits in one position and never moves 3. Lack of frontal alignment 4. Hides behind barriers, i.e., crossed arms, legs, defensive 5. Elbows close to side 6. Erratic and rapid changes of posture 7. "The runner’s position" - seated on edge of the chair, anxious to leave (Change your theme) 8. The head and body slump - Suspect is usually ready to confess, capitalize on the state of mind of the suspect at this time


Principles of Verbal Behavior Symptoms Indicative of Truth or Deception
1. More controlled than nonverbal behavior symptoms - We think before we speak 2. Verbal must be put into perspective by the nonverbal observations Truthful verbal answer with a nonverbal deceptive behavior observation would result in more weight given to the nonverbal behavior observation. 3. Verbal answers may be analyzed and categorized as more typical of truthful or more typical of deceptive.



Guidelines for Distinguishing between Truthful and Deceptive Verbal Responses
1. Deceptive suspects tend to deny their crime specifically, while truthful deny in general. 2. Deceptive suspects tend to avoid realistic or harsh language while truthful do not. 3. Truthful suspects generally answer specific inquiries with direct and spontaneous answers. The answers are to the point and without delay. 4. Deceptive suspects may fail to answer or delay their answers. 5. Deceptive suspects may answer the investigator's question too quickly, even before the question is complete. 6. Deceptive suspects often repeat the question before they respond. Indicative of a defensive posture. 7. Deceptive suspects may have a memory failure or have too good of a memory (rehearsed). 8. Deceptive suspects may evade answering by talking off the subject. Sidestep this and return to the issue. 9. Deceptive suspects may offer excuses or justifications to support their claim of innocence. Turn it back on them.
10. Deceptive suspects are more likely to question or challenge factual information. An effort to pick things apart.
11. Deceptive suspects tend to qualify their answers more than truthful persons. They are trying to leave themselves an out. 12. Deceptive suspects may have mental blocks or unable to answer rationally. They are not thinking rationally.
13. Deceptive suspects may support their answers with religion or oaths. 14. Deceptive suspects tend to be overly polite and are more difficult to arouse their anger. 15. Deceptive suspects may feign indignance or anger initially but tend to "melt" as the interrogator persists. They may put on the initial act. 16. Truthful suspects may initially accept interrogator's statements but grow stronger and more persistent in their denials with time. In effect, they may listen for a time, but will become persistent and will make efforts to take control. 17. Deceptive suspects are more inclined to offer vile threats during the interrogation. Threats may be made to file suit hoping you will back down. 18. Speed, pitch, clarity, clipped word endings are all important observations. 19. Typical Deceptive Responses to the Accusation:
Why would I do that
I swear on a stack of bibles
I'm a religious person
Look at my record, I wouldn't do something like this
Verbal responses include both spoken words and gestures that serve as word substitutes, such as nodding of the head. Also included within the category of verbal responses are such vocal characteristics as tone, speed pitch and clarity.

The words, timing and emphasis are significant of verbal response. Fundamental to the psychology of verbal behavior is that normally socialized individuals do not enjoy lying; deception leads to conflict that result in anxiety and stress.

Deceptive suspects tend to avert their gaze due to the belief their guilt can be seen.

"Normal eye contact has been shown to be maintained between 30 and 60 percent of the time between two people conversing.
General principles of eye contact:
1. Truthful subject look at you longer in your interviews than deceptive persons. They are more comfortable with what they are telling you.
2. A glance by a suspect may be indicative of interest. Whatever you had just said had some meaning - repeat, repeat, repeat.
3. Too long of gaze by a suspect (staring) is normally a challenge. Do not get into contests with suspects.
4. Different cultures have different rules for governing eye contact.
5. Emotionally disturbed or extremely shy people have abnormal eye contact. It is therefore important to possess background information on the suspect.
6. Do not challenge any suspect to look at you or to use this observation against them.
7. No dark glasses should be worn by either the suspect or the interrogator.

Facial Expressions provide help in identifying the emotional state of the suspect.
1. Fear is more typical of the guilty suspect
2. Anger that is genuine is more typical of innocent suspect
3. Defiance is more typical of the guilty suspect - He is not accepting what you are saying
4. Acceptance - Believing the theme and ready to confess
5. Pleasure - Themes are not effective at all - change theme



Observable Symptoms of Emotion

Interrogation creates anxiety, nervous tension, and a state of mental aggravation in the suspect. The suspect must deceive or attempt to do so if he hopes to escape the consequences of the crime. These attempts will be accompanied by a variety of symptoms of emotion.
Physical Manifestations
Perspiration flow
Flushing or paleness of the skin
Pulse rate increase or decrease which will be apparent by visible veins in the head, neck or throat
Dry mouth or tongue
Excessive swallowing
Rate of respiration changes
Muscle spasm
Facial tics
Thickened or slurred speech
Stuttering and/or other speech deficiencies
Emotional Manifestations
Nervousness and Anxiety
In the general areas of fear, hate, anger, protestations of innocence, inability to "look the interrogator in the eyes" and visible efforts to re-establish the control that is rapidly slipping away
Mental Symptoms
Confusion
Faulty memory
Hesitation
Long pauses
General nervous involvement affecting the entire body

[Os Cangaceiros]

Bottom line is that you need to shut the fuck up in any sort of interview/interrogation situation. Don't sign anything and don't say anything...that's pretty much the same advice I've heard from both criminal defense attorneys and ex-cops.

[bcbm]

dead on es, but i think it is also important to know what will happen in the interrogation room and have an understanding of police tactics.

[Wolf Larson]

Always talk to police. They're your friend. Best thing to do is watch a lot of football. Drink beer inside your home and call Obama a socialist. Go to work when your weekend shopping and TV session is over and don't question your boss. Buy things. Buy lots of stuff and things. Work to buy more when your done buying the first lot. Repeat. Work, buy, sleep, TV.

Work. Go home, rest. When football inst on watch FOX news, CNN, NBC, ABC hell...any TV station will do. Keep your credit good. Without it you will die. Buy more things to get a good credit rating. Without a good credit rating you cannot buy more things in the future. Go to church on Sunday- if you cant make it be a good Catholic and go on Christian holidays. Hate Muslims. If you're a young female get a discrete flower tattoo on your lower back- if a young male join the military and get a tribal arm band. Buy a truck. Put an American flag on your truck. Play loud 70's metal music from an obnoxious FM radio station on your way home from work or on your way out to war. ....shuffle between FM rock and AM talk radio. Be sure to let Micheal Savage and Mark Leven tell you what to think about and how to think about it. Tell what you've learned from them to your children. If female be sure to vomit after eating and have toxic sludge implanted into your breasts. Paint your face like Jezebel and buy 3 closets full of designer clothes made by starving children in India. No one will love you unless you do these things and your friend the Police will leave you alone if you follow my advice.

[Wolf Larson]

dead on es, but i think it is also important to know what will happen in the interrogation room and have an understanding of police tactics.

Never talk to police. That's what lawyers are for :)

[bcbm]

Always talk to police. They're your friend. Best thing to do is watch a lot of football. Drink beer inside your home and call Obama a socialist. Go to work when your weekend shopping and TV session is over and don't question your boss. Buy things. Buy lots of stuff and things. Work to buy more when your done buying the first lot. Repeat. Work, buy, sleep, TV.

Work. Go home, rest. When football inst on watch FOX news, CNN, NBC, ABC hell...any TV station will do. Keep your credit good. Without it you will die. Buy more things to get a good credit rating. Without a good credit rating you cannot buy more things in the future. Go to church on Sunday- if you cant make it be a good Catholic and go on Christian holidays. Hate Muslims. If you're a young female get a discrete flower tattoo on your lower back- if a young male join the military and get a tribal arm band. Buy a truck. Put an American flag on your truck. Play loud 70's metal music from an obnoxious FM radio station on your way home from work or on your way out to war. ....shuffle between FM rock and AM talk radio. Be sure to let Micheal Savage and Mark Leven tell you what to think about and how to think about it. Tell what you've learned from them to your children. If female be sure to vomit after eating and have toxic sludge implanted into your breasts. Paint your face like Jezebel and buy 3 closets full of designer clothes made by starving children in India. No one will love you unless you do these things and your friend the Police will leave you alone if you follow my advice.

i'm not really fond of this kind of "everyone are a bunch of sheep!" criticism. just because you have a truck and like 70's rock, or whatever other mix of cultural traits, doesn't mean you can't be down. we need to be finding commonalities with people, not acting like jaded outcasts.

[Wolf Larson]

i'm not really fond of this kind of "everyone are a bunch of sheep!" criticism. just because you have a truck and like 70's rock, or whatever other mix of cultural traits, doesn't mean you can't be down. we need to be finding commonalities with people, not acting like jaded outcasts.

I said the silly things above because there's truth to it. I'm working class/in construction. I'm confronted with it every day. Where do you work? I've tried, in an old job, to get people aware of the class struggle in a passive manner but was ostracized by the rest of the employees as an evil communist. I ended up starting a coop with 6 people because I gave up on most white working class. This after years and years...perhaps 10 years of subversively and openly spreading socialist ideals within the workplace. I've had my experience and will speak about it and you can't stop me :) And yes it's somewhat patronizing to say America is nothing but a bunch of Orwellian proles but I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, it's the truth. This is our problem. Not just my problem. Our problem. They don't want socialism. As far as the police interrogation topic I speak from experience. You don't talk to them. There is no reason to open your mouth other than to say I want a lawyer.

[bcbm]

i'm working class too. there are plenty of people who have some sort of consciousness and that number is growing everyday. workers and our organizations have been under attack for decades and so of course it is no wonder that most americans don't know about them and turn to other vaguely populist personalities (talk radio) for some sort of relief. and, really, if your goal is to try and turn people on to socialism, talking about them like they're all ignorant and brainwashed probably isn't going to help.

[Wolf Larson]

i'm working class too. there are plenty of people who have some sort of consciousness and that number is growing everyday. workers and our organizations have been under attack for decades and so of course it is no wonder that most americans don't know about them and turn to other vaguely populist personalities (talk radio) for some sort of relief. and, really, if your goal is to try and turn people on to socialism, talking about them like they're all ignorant and brainwashed probably isn't going to help.
You're acting as if I'm spreading propaganda. I'm on RevLeft amongst fellow anarchists/socialists/communists not in the process of trying to pry people from the dark side. If you want to criticize me just for the sake of critisizing me you should find a different post of mine to pick on because unfortunately most Amerikkkans are in fact glutinous brainwashed pigs who will never join the class struggle. Yes. I have contempt for reactionaries. Yes. I do not like John Galt working class turncoats. Yes. When it comes to these people I have a shitty attitude. I will criticize them so long as they remain drooling half dead zombies living lives of automation programed to consume at the third worlds expense. I hate Americans. Sorry.

[bcbm]

i don't think its very reasonable to blame the workers for being on the receiving end of a decades long campaign of propaganda and social control aimed at destroying their combativeness.

[Wolf Larson]

You're acting as if I'm spreading propaganda. I'm on RevLeft amongst fellow anarchists/socialists/communists not in the process of trying to pry people from the dark side. If you want to criticize me just for the sake of critisizing me you should find a different post of mine to pick on because unfortunately most Amerikkkans are in fact glutinous brainwashed pigs who will never join the class struggle. Yes. I have contempt for reactionaries. Yes. I do not like John Galt working class turncoats. Yes. When it comes to these people I have a shitty attitude. I will criticize them so long as they remain drooling half dead zombies living lives of automation programed to consume at the third worlds expense. I hate Americans. Sorry.
When I'm doing so, when I'm helping spread socialism, I'm always nice and will remain civil....I'm very very friendly when explaining socialism to interested workers even when they're in the initial reactionary/denial phase. Especially when they are in the reactionary/denial phase. Again, I'm not spreading propaganda right now I'm simply expressing how I see Americans and I basically poked a stick at white conservatives by generically stereotyping them but if the shoe fits? Hell, I could complain about liberals all day as well. I think petty bourgeois liberals are worse. They're all mostly parasites and beneficiaries of privilege and enjoy this American petty bourgeois privilege they have been born into and will never willingly give it up. I don't think my experience or opinions are universal, meaning, perhaps different people have had more positive experiences but my experience has shown me I'm surrounded by conservative working class "proles" and a liberal petty bourgeois "party" class. My empirical conclusion is that most Americans, the majority of Americans, don't want socialism/anarchism/communism and don't even want to know what socialism/anarchism/communism really is.



<br><br>I was at a bar in the East Bay last night having some drinks with a group of about 20 people and these are so called leftists here in Oak. We stared talking politics and all I heard was -Obama this Obama that, we cant give up on him, we need to pass this health care bill, the war in Iraq is bad but the one in Afghanistan is good etc. I began to explain why the war in Afghanistan is not a good war [as they put it] and explained that Obama is not the so called socialist president as they believe. They believe it's a good thing unlike their right wing counterparts. They actually think he's a democratic socialist and like him for it. They're misinformed. I had to explain what socialism was and most of them didn't understand. They thought it meant state control of only a certain few things, Keynesian bullshit basically. They didn't understand the socialist critique of property, the thinking behind the LTV, why capitalism is exploitative, why we need worker control of the means of production/political system [self rule] on and on. They thought representative democracy was great, they went on and on like the good little liberals they were. Just last night....I sat there with a smile and had to be inoculated with this dreck. So even here in the great progressive East Bay I'm surrounded by reactionary liberals and conservatives alike. I socialize with some of the liberals and sometimes work next to the white John Galt wannabe conservatives. I'm venting. Nothing more. I'm venting. If you want to criticize me just for the sake of criticizing me you should find a different post of mine to pick on because unfortunately most Amerikkkans are in fact glutinous brainwashed pigs who will never join the class struggle. Yes. I have contempt for reactionaries. Yes. I dislike liberals. Yes. I do not like John Galt working class turncoats. Yes. When it comes to these people I have a shitty attitude. As I said I will continue to criticize and ridicule them so long as they remain drooling half dead zombies living lives of automation programed to consume at the third worlds expense. I hate Americans. Sorry. Again, when I'm helping spread the ideals of socialism this contempt is hidden from view :) I don't go around voicing my contempt. OK sometimes but only when I'm venting as I am in this thread.

[Wolf Larson]

i don't think its very reasonable to blame the workers for being on the receiving end of a decades long campaign of propaganda and social control aimed at destroying their combativeness.
We choose to watch the TV. We choose to listen to their radio stations. We choose to go shopping. We choose to support the wars. We choose to be ignorant. We have chosen all of it. We do hold responsibility.

[bayano]

It's easy to say not to talk. I don't. I give trainings on how not to. I have had many amazing loved ones who haven't talked. I have known idiots and snitches (not to be confused with each other) who have talked. The point of interrogation and the psychology police are taught is to get you to talk, in some cases no matter how much you think you are capable of not talking. Thanks for the notes and I'm sure it was at least a little difficult to sit through that class.

[bcbm]

We choose to watch the TV. We choose to listen to their radio stations. We choose to go shopping. We choose to support the wars. We choose to be ignorant. We have chosen all of it. We do hold responsibility.

i don't think you can position true choice against a campaign by the most powerful forces on the planet to destroy choice, destroy community, destroy human existence and push everyone into individual, atomized roles. our class may have gone along with any number of horrible things, but i don't think there was a choice involved in any meaningful way. we've been presented with one example of how to exist, been forced to believe it is the only way and had any dreams outside of that systematically destroyed.