Forensic Psychology

by Graham M Davies

  8.6 SUMMARY

  The Reid technique is a very influential technique for interviewing suspects. The technique is “confession-oriented”. Essentially it offers a number of steps to break down a suspect’s resistance. During recent years the technique has been extensively criticized because it increases the risk of false confessions.

  Several sources of information indicate that today the police interview suspects in a less confrontational manner than before. Police officers themselves often report using an approach characterized by rapport and relationship building.

  Research has shown that there are a number of factors that increase the risk of a false confession. Among these factors are: (1) isolating the suspect; (2) the presentation of false evidence; (3) long interrogations and (4) minimisation procedures.

  During the last 10 years, researchers have been studying the effects of different models for disclosing evidence in interviews. It seems that late and gradual disclosure techniques are more effective than early disclosure. The strategic use of evidence (SUE) technique can be used to elicit cues to deceit (e.g. statement-evidence inconsistencies), as well as new critical information.

  ESSAY/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  The chapter on “interviewing suspects” draws upon a number of different sources of information. Why is this particularly important for this topic?

  The Reid technique is often discussed and criticised. Explain the technique, and why it has been criticised by researchers.

  A false confession can lead to a miscarriage of justice. There are many factors that can be seen as “risk factors” for false confessions. Discuss three such factors and explain why they may increase the likelihood of a false confession.

  There are several studies showing an association between (1) a humane way of conducting the interview and (2) the suspect’s willingness to disclose information and even confess. But why is it dangerous to claim from the existing evidence that humane interviews are more effective?

  ANNOTATED READING LIST

  Bull, R. (Ed). (2014). Investigative interviewing. New York: Springer. This book brings together experts in the field for a comprehensive treatment of the broader topic of investigative interviewing.

  Gudjonsson, G. H. (2003). The psychology of interrogations and confessions. Chichester: Wiley. In this already classic book Gudjonsson offers a comprehensive overview of false confessions and the suggestibility of suspects.

  Lassiter, G. D., & Meissner, C. A. (Eds) (2010). Police interrogations and false confessions: Current research, practice, and policy recommendations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. The collection of papers provides an overview of the research field of false confessions and its practical implications.

  Walsh, D., Oxburgh, G. E., Redlich, A. D., & Myklebust, T. (Eds.). (2016). International developments and practices in investigative interviewing and interrogation: Volume 2: Suspects. New York: Routledge. In this groundbreaking collection suspect interviewing practices across the world are covered in detail.

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