(4) Hypothetical: Make up a story about another person who committed a
similar offense but through his cooperation has put this behind him with minimal
effects and results. Emphasize the other person's cooperation.
(5) Cold shoulder: During the interrogation if you know or feel the person
has lied when answering a question; stop, don't talk to him, don't look at him, or
just turn away.
Freeze him out and often he will make additional remarks to
qualify his initial answer. Continue until he sees the futility in this effort and
finally reverses or alters his statement to the truth.
(6) Using one suspect against another: It is important to keep the two
people out of sight and hearing of each other. Interview one and then continue to
imply to the second that the first told the truth and is blaming him. It may be
necessary to bring the first man in and repeat the process with him.
(7) Providing suspect with excuses: Offer the person excuses, allowing him
to save face by letting him shift the blame for the reason he committed the
offense. Often times he will accept a reason that is less morally offensive.
(8) Condemning society, the law, or the victim: Attempt to obtain a
confession by placing the blame on a situation or entity. Indicate that he had no
alternative but to respond as he did.
(9) False statement: This ploy is used to apply psychological pressures on
the person. Show the suspect a statement in a manner that he cannot read it and
imply that it is testimonial evidence.
(10) Flattery: Use as an ego inflator, but be realistic, don't over stroke
him. Safe topics; i.e., good appearance, nice personality, intelligence, ability,
loyalty, concern, etc.
(11) Claim the victim exaggerated: Increase the amount damaged or stolen, or
exaggerate the degree of physical damage.
Often the suspect will be willing to
confess to a smaller amount of money or damage.
(12) Get minor admissions: Get
the suspect to admit being in the area or
with the person on some other pretext.
After obtaining this admission, slowly walk
him into deeper involvement until you
get to a complete confession and the real
person. This technique is better used
in combination with other techniques, i.e.,
sympathetic, blaming victim, logic, and
reasoning.
(13) Ask "why" the offense was committed: Offer suspect an opportunity to
give you a reason for the crime.
He may give you his reason and, if so, he has
furnished you an avenue of pursuit to guide your questioning.
2-5
MP1016
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