Interrogation

Course Description:

This course is constructed specifically for law enforcement officers. The focus of training is to familiarize the new and seasoned investigator with the various disciplines of "detecting deception". This is accomplished through learning to read non-verbal body language, neurolinguistics, and by being introduced to the newest form of conducting detailed analysis of verbal and written statements.  Investigators are encouraged to conduct interviews and interrogations in such a structured fashion as to practice court-preferred methods of obtaining confessions.

Prerequisites:

This course is offered to all officers regardless of prior experience or training level. Since law enforcement officers seldom remain in a stationary position of administration, patrol or investigation, this training is appropriate for all. From the "rookie officer" recently graduated from the academy to the seasoned polygraph and criminal investigator, every attendee will benefit from this valuable training. The only prerequisite is that the officer must deal with other human beings regardless of their capacity and have the ultimate need to be able to determine truth and deception.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course, students will be able to do the following:
  • Identify the ten most common mistakes oftentimes made by investigators.

  • Describe the differences between an interview and interrogation.

  • Describe the "fight vs. flight" syndrome and its effects on behavioral analysis.

  • Perform analysis on verbal and written statements.

  • Prepare a list of "open" and "closed ended" questions.

  • Describe the cause and effect of the "false positive" and how to avoid same.
  • Recognize the "evasive verbal response" and its effective antidote.

  • Repeat the three (3) mandated questions of the "verbal lie detector".

  • Perform the mathematical equation of balancing a written statement.

  • Describe the importance of allowing a suspect to maintain their dignity.

  • Conduct and describe the 12 steps of an interrogation.


Topics:

Students in this course will become familiar with:
  • Introduction to Interview and Interrogation.

  • Common myths of success or failure rate.

  • Lies of Omission.

  • Fight v. flight.

  • Traditional problems.

  • Evasive Verbal Responses.

  • Recognizing that it is not easy to lie.

  • Old v. new way of preparing for the interview.

  • Direct questioning in every situation.

  • Ignore the emotions

  • Look for out of ordinary language.

  • Events in the past should be written as such.

  • Do not accept conclusions from the subject.

  • Truthful statements reflect reality.

  • Recognize "links" suggesting missing time.

  • Recognizing clues of deception in written statements.
  • Balancing a written statement.

  • Interview v. Interrogation.

  • Structured approach.

  • Means of communication.

  • "Clusters" and "key" questions.

  • Verbal evaluations.

  • Establishing power of influence.

  • Truthful Characteristics.

  • Reinforcers.

  • Escape hatches.

  • Deceptive lies (generalized).

  • Behavioral Exceptions.

  • Normal eye contact.

  • The interrogation room.

  • Steps to an interrogation.