Reid Technique of Interviewing free essay sample

The Reid Technique of Interviewing is a method of interrogation and interview that was developed in 1947 by John E. Reid. This method is â€Å"the most widely used approach to question subjects in the world† (http://www. reid. com/r_about. html). According to Reid there are nine steps of the interrogation process that are used, along with training in behavior analysis, to recognize behaviors that may indicate guilt or telling of a lie. The nine steps are: (1) Direct Positive Confrontation Presentation of fact synopsis to suspect; reference to evidence, real or fictional; suspect is told that he is involved in the crime; behavioral observation of suspect; restatement of confrontation, stronger or weaker. (2) Theme Development Transition phases from confrontation; propose reasons that will justify or excuse the commission of the crime; behavioral assessment of suspect to choose proper theme; longest portion of 9 steps. Stopping Denials Both guilty and innocent deny the crime at issue; starts during direct positive confrontation; absence of denials in step two indicates probable guilt; interrogator recognizes and stops denial before it is complete; progress is indicated by cessation or weakening of denials. We will write a custom essay sample on Reid Technique of Interviewing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page (4) Overcoming Objections Suspect proposes a reason why he allegedly did not commit the crime; normally offered by only the guilty; indicates progress in the interrogation if given after denials; handled differently than denials by first listening and accepting; proper handling of objections helps overcome the subject’s defenses. (5) Getting the Suspect’s Attention Suspect is on defensive and is tense and confused; the themes will work only is suspect is listening; interrogator reaches peak of sincerity in his speech; physical closeness and use of verbal techniques to command attention; physical gestures of sincerity are used to establish attitude of understanding and concern. (6) The Suspect Quiets and Listens The physical signs of surrender begin to appear; the themes are shortened and lead toward alternatives; establishment of eye contact is most important at this point by verbal and physical techniques; tears at this stage positively indicate the suspect’s guilt. (7) Alternatives Non-threatening to suspect they concern some minor aspect of the crime; gives choice between acceptable reason and unacceptable reason for committing the crime; one alternative is stressed to lead subject to choose the positive alternative; either choice is an admission of guilt. (8) Bringing the Suspect into the Conversation The acceptance of one alternative is reinforced by the interrogator; the suspect is encouraged to talk about aspect of the crime; the use of realistic words is introduced by the interrogator; initial corroboration of the confession is begun; oral witnessing of admissions by two persons. (9) The Confession Reduction of oral statement into written, typed, or electronically recorded form; voluntariness of statement is established along with corroboration of details; suspect’s signing of statement is witnessed by two or more persons.   I feel that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion about everything and we have the right to express it in a constructive manner. Regardless of the technique or method used to interrogate or question a suspect, there is always going to be scrutiny against it by someone. There are always going to be false confessions no matter what technique is used. According to Reid himself, in an article about false confession cases, he states that there are four factors that are prevalent in false confession cases: (1) The suspect is a juvenile; and/or (2) the suspect suffers some mental or psychological impairment; and/or (3) the interrogation took place over an inordinate amount of time; and/or (4) the interrogators engaged in illegal tactics and techniques (http://www. reid. com/pdfs/Falseconfessioncases. pdf). Reid recognizes that false confessions have occurred and will continue to occur but is making the necessary adjustments in his training to avoid this from possibly happening as frequently. The Reid Technique may be under scrutiny by Turvey, but it says a lot about his method when the United States Supreme Court referenced his company and book, Criminal Interrogation and Confessions, in a 2004 court case as being a resource for proper training for investigations. As well as in a 1994 case, Stansbury v. California, that helped the court make a ruling on the outcome of the case (http://law. uark. edu/documents/Judges-Reid-Technique. pdf).