Police officers conduct interrogations in order to try to get the suspect to make a confession. Sometimes, the confession is that the suspect committed the crime, but in other cases, the confession could simply be that the suspect has information related to the crime. How do police officers convince suspects to talk? Here are some of the strategies police use to get confessions:
The Reid Technique
If you are ever questioned by police officers, it’s very likely that they will use the Reid Technique on you. Police officers who are using this technique begin by telling the suspect that they know he is guilty because of the evidence they have against him.
Then, the police officer will start to develop a story that explains why the suspect committed the crime. As the police officer explains the story, he will be watching the suspect to see how he reacts. Some suspects may jump in and correct certain parts of the story, while others may start to exhibit obvious signs of discomfort. Eventually, the police officer will start to soften and tell the defendant that he understands why he felt the need to commit the crime. He may say that the defendant will feel relieved or may not face as many consequences if he confesses instead of proclaiming his innocence.
This technique is effective in wearing suspects down and getting them to make confessions. Suspects often feel as if they don’t have any other choice but to confess, even if they know the consequences of doing so.
Lying
It’s a common misconception that police officers must be honest when dealing with suspects. Many police officers lie to suspects in order to get them to confess to a crime. For example, police officers may tell a suspect that a witness saw them at the scene of the crime. They may also state that they found forensic evidence that proves the suspect committed the crime. If a suspect is told one of these lies, he may feel compelled to confess to the crime, only to find out later that the evidence or witness does not exist.
Sadly, these police strategies often lead to false confessions. Many innocent people confess to crimes because they are manipulated by police officers who subject them to hours of intense questioning. It can be very hard to prove that a confession is not true, which is why it’s in your best interest to never answer questions without an attorney present.
If you are ever brought in for questioning, it’s important to exercise your right to have an attorney present. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm before answering any questions. Even if you are not guilty, it’s essential to have an attorney by your side to protect your rights. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
