Interrogation Techniques – 6 Examples of Statement of Guilt

If you watch the television shows Law & Order, The First 48 or CSI you have probably scene detectives integrating suspects. It might look easy on TV, but there is a science behind questioning suspects and interpreting their responses to determine if they are telling the truth.

Here are some response tactics an interrogation subject may employ to draw attention away from the issue at hand. Although the suspect may think he/she is avoiding suspicion, these responses have been show to actually be evidence for guilt.

1. Speaking in the Third Person

By referring to themselves in the third person, the subject attempts to put distance between themselves and the crime by becoming a separate entity from the person being questioned.

Example – “John dropped her off at home at midnight and she was fine.” versus “I dropped her off at home at midnight and she was fine.”

2. Accusing the Interrogator of Being Prejudice

When a suspect feels trapped, they may go on the offensive and accuse the interviewer as having a prejudicial viewpoint against them. This prejudice can be purely personal or based on race, religion, economic status, etc.

Example – “You do not like me because (X, Y or Z prejudice), so you are trying to prove that I am guilty.”

3. Talking About Past Trouble

In this tactic, the subject begins to relate things that have happened to them in the past where they felt they were being victimized by other.

Example – “My wife always made me feel bad that I did not make enough money.”

4 – Admitting they are Guilty of a Similar Crime in the Past

This response is an attempt to promotes the suspect’s honesty and creditability in the eyes of the interrogator by admitting to a similar wrong doing. The logic is that if he/she can admit to something similar, they would admit guilt in this case, but they cannot because they did not do it. Research has shown that an innocent person does not use this tactic.

Example – “Yes, I hit the victim a few years ago, but I did not beat them to death.”

5 – Accepting that they “Look Guilty”

When the evidence is presented to a suspect, they may agree with the interrogator that they see why they look guilty. But, experience has shown innocent people do not believe that they “look guilty” nor will they, when speaking freely, accept an appearance of guilt.

Example – “I can see why you think I am guilty of this murder. I have no alibi and the victim owed me money, but I did not kill them.”

6 – Strong Denial to Everything

When a suspect starts to deny virtually everything, they are attempting to establish a pattern with the hope it will prevent the interviewer from breaking through their facade.

Example -
Interviewer: “Did you go out last night?”
Suspect: “No”
Interviewer: Did you see the victim last night?”
Suspect: “No.”
Interviewer: Did you drive anywhere last night?”
Suspect: “No.”
Interviewer: “Did you watch TV last night?”
Suspect: “No.”

You get the picture.

If you are ever hauled into an integration room, do not use any of the above response techniques – the police will know you are guilty the moment you open your mouth.

Your best response?  Ask for a lawyer!

Stay Brutal!