Police Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to police interviewing and interrogation tactics, designed to help students prepare for their exam.

Police Interview

A conversation with a suspect to obtain factual information or evidence, distinct from police interrogation.

Interview Room

A controlled environment with minimal distractions designed for police interviews, often characterized by plain walls and limited furnishings.

Admissible Statements

Statements from accused persons that can be used as evidence in court, usually needing corroboration with gathered evidence.

False Confessions

Instances where individuals confess to crimes they did not commit, often seeking to avoid coercive circumstances or for personal motivations.

Coerced-Compliant False Confession

A false confession given under police coercion, despite the accused knowing they did not commit the offense.

Coerced-Internalized False Confession

A confession that the accused temporarily believes to be true due to intense interrogation tactics.

Leading Questions

Questions designed to suggest a particular answer or suppress a certain response, often deemed inappropriate in effective interviewing.

Pre-Interrogation Tactics

Strategies employed before an interrogation to prepare the interviewer and gather necessary case information.

Interpersonal Tactics

Techniques for building rapport and establishing a connection with the interviewee during interrogation.

Open-ended Questions

Questions phrased to allow the interviewee to provide detailed responses, enhancing the amount of information shared.

Closed Probing Questions

Specific questions aimed at clarifying details of the interviewee's account, typically used after open-ended questions.

Silence as a Tool

A technique during interrogation that allows the interviewee time to think, promoting open communication and information sharing.

Corroboration

The process of confirming that information provided in a confession aligns with other collected evidence.

Vulnerable Individuals

People who may be more susceptible to giving false confessions, including minors, the elderly, and those with mental health issues.

Evidence Quality

The extent and reliability of evidence that influences a suspect's decision to confess during an interrogation.