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The Reid Technique is used by police and government investigators, security and loss prevention experts. Before the interrogation, investigators conduct a behavioral analysis interview to identify signs of deception. The interrogation steps are:

  1. Direct positive accusation:
    • Confidently tell the subject the investigation indicates he/she is guilty;
    • Assess subject’s verbal and nonverbal reaction to the accusation.
  2. Theme development:
    • Offer justifications for subjects’ complicity but don’t offer legal ones;
    • Contrast inexcusable motives with more understandable reasons;
    • Support themes with stories of suspects who made similar mistakes;
    • Emphasize the need for cooperation with role reversals.
  3. Handling denials:
    • Talk over subjects and use gestures to cut off their interruptions;
    • Consider that the subject may be innocent if the denials continue to be strong, sincere and voiced using realistic words.
  4. Overcoming objections:
    • Express agreement or understanding when subjects offer an objection or excuse as they couldn’t be involved;
    • Explain positive implications if it is true;
    • Explain negative implications if it is not true.
  5. Attaining the subject’s attention:
    • Subject is on the defensive and could become withdrawn;
    • Move close to gain subjects’ attention and focus on your themes.
  6. Handling subject’s passive mood:
    • Subject begins to show signs of defeat or remorse;
    • Shorten the themes and lead toward the alternative question.
  7. Presenting the alternative question:
    • Present two choices for subject’s involvement and contrast an acceptable sounding choice with an unacceptable one;
    • Urge subjects to accept choice and stress the generally acceptable one.
  8. Obtaining the verbal confession:
    • Express understanding if subject chooses one of the alternatives;
    • Encourage subject to talk about aspects of the crime;
    • Avoid leading questions and get details from interviewee that only the guilty would know;
    • Have a witness to the verbal admission.
  9. Elements of the written confession: Convert verbal confession to a written or typed form and establish subject volunteered it.

Source: John E. Reid & Associates

BACK TO MAIN STORY
WHY WOULD A PERSON FALSELY CONFESS TO A CRIME?
STEPS TO ‘PEACE’ INTERVIEWING

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