b. Patience and Perseverance. Be patient. Give the impression that you have
"all the time necessary to obtain the true facts of the case."
Avoid rapid-fire
questions.
Go back over important points that were discussed earlier.
Be
persistent enough to continue after you have decided that it is fruitless to go on.
By continuing for only 15 minutes more, you may be able to overcome the subject's
resistance and obtain the desired information.
c. Integrity.
If the subject has any doubt about your honesty, it will be
impossible for you to instill confidence and trust in him.
You must not make
promises you cannot keep, or promise anything you cannot deliver.
d. Mannerisms.
During the interrogation, remain seated, and refrain from
pacing the room.
Do not smoke, doodle, fumble with a pen or pencil, or display
other such distracting mannerisms. These would give the suspect the appearance of
lack of concern on your part.
Any actions that could give the impression of
impatience should be avoided. This would give the subject strength in his resolve
to lie.
He would feel that if he could hold out a little longer that you would
give up.
e. Dress.
Dress in civilian clothes.
Wear a conservative suit or jacket.
Avoid the use of a loud tie or other flashy articles. You should wear your suit
throughout the interrogation. After the introduction, the badge, credentials, and
any other police-identifying items should be removed from the subject's view. You
should not carry a gun or club into the room.
f. Language. Adapt your language to that of the subject. Avoid the use of
slang unless he does not understand more acceptable terminology.
Profanity and
vulgarity should be avoided.
Speak so that the subject can understand each
question. When speaking to experts, know something of their field and terminology,
and speak on their level.
On the other hand, do not use big words to a person who can hardly read a comic
book.
g. Respect.
Do not give the impression that he is stupid, ignorant, or
inferior to you.
When dealing with persons of low social standings, such as
prostitutes or pimps, it may be helpful to call them Miss or Mr. rather than by
their first name, or by slang. Persons of high social standard are used to being
referred to as Mr. or Mrs. and calling them by their first name may throw them off
balance, and "knockdown" some of their self-confidence.
Regardless of the nature
of the crime a tactical approach may "turn him on" but a disrespectful approach
will "turn him off." The subject should always be treated as a human being, worthy
of decency and respect.
PART C: INTERPRETERS
1.
The Language Problem.
Interpreters, especially overseas, may be needed
to question persons because of language differences.
He should be a member
of the Armed Forces or a U.S. citizen, but if you cannot find such a person,
a qualified local inhabitant should be employed.
This should not discourage
you from learning the new language.
If you expect an overseas assignment you
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