phrased. For example, support a suspect who is a first time offender or has committed the offense out of
emotion (such as anger, passion, or jealousy). A sympathetic technique is useful. On the other hand,
suppose the suspect appears confident in his ability, seems to feel no remorse, or committed an
unemotional crime. A technique oriented to logic and reasoning is useful.
j. When you use the sympathetic technique you employ several rules. Gain the confidence of
the suspect and assist the suspect in "saving face". This is in order to get a description of the crime from
its conception to commitment. The questions that you ask should be worded so that they minimize
moral implications. Avoid discussions of the punitive outcomes of the crime. If the interrogation seems
to bog down, point out that the suspect shows signs of stress that indicated his guilt. While not
influencing the contents of the suspect's statement, it will help to encourage a suspect to give an accurate
statement. An example might be, "I can understand why you hit that guy" (this helps the accused to
save face), as opposed to, "You can get into a lot of trouble for hitting that guy" (this points out the
punitive outcome).
k. Logic and reasoning seem to help with a suspect who shows no remorse or displays
arrogance about the charges against him. Your attitude in confronting this type is to convince him that
guilt can be or has been established. Point out the futility of denying guilt. Show the facts that establish
his guilt. Refute his alibis and contradictions with firm evidence and testimony.
l. There are other techniques to get a suspect or accused person to make a truthful statement. It
is your choice which techniques to apply in a given situation. Any technique can be used if it is legal
and will not induce an innocent person to confess: Possible techniques to try are:
o Claim the victim exaggerated the incident.
o Present a hypothetical story.
o Play one suspect against another.
o "Condemn the victim" (assert that the victim probably contributed to the crime).
m. Ending the interrogation is the same as for an interview. Evaluate the information obtained.
Clarify with the suspect so there is no misunderstanding in what you heard. Verify any confessions.
Compose a statement on DA Form 2823. Preparing and reviewing a sworn statement will be discussed
next.
PART B - PREPARE AND REVIEW A SWORN STATEMENT
1.
General.
Written statements are permanent records of pretrial testimony of accused persons, suspects,
complainants, and witnesses. Written statements can he
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