The art of interrogation has been around for thousands of years and it has nearly been perfected. Throughout the history of interrogations, innocent people have been tortured, forced to take mind-altering drugs, deprived of food, sleep, and water, subjected to psychological warfare tactics, confined to solitude, or given a healthy dose of deception. Throughout history, regardless of the technique deployed, the motive has always been the same: the interrogator wants the accused to admit to the crime.
In modern day America, although the process may appear to be more hospitable on the surface level than it was thousands of years ago, it’s still the same art form. The interrogation room is the grand stage, the detectives and officers behind the glass are the captive audience, and you, the person of interest facing cross-examination, are the shining star. Everything in the room from the blinding, overhead lighting to the uncomfortable chair to the face-to-face, invasive positioning of the interrogator questioning you is deliberate and carefully-crafted. It’s all set up this way for a specific reason. There’s no mistaking that if the police can prove you are guilty of the crime, you just saved them a lot of time.
In this three-part article series, we will shed some light on law enforcement and the psychology of their interrogation techniques. We will also let you know how the police can manipulate an interrogation procedure to get you to admit to a crime you did not commit. Remember, if you have been accused of a serious crime like murder, you need an experienced murder defense attorney in Tampa.
The first mistake many people make is that they do not realize that the interrogation began well before they entered the interrogation room. In fact, most confessions to a crime happen outside of the stereotypical interrogation room when the accused has their guard down or doesn’t realize they are being questioned. In some cases, a police officer will elect to not detain you during the “friendly conversation” portion of an investigation to learn more. If you are detained, which is after you have been read your Miranda Rights and handcuffed, the interrogation has already begun. The only words out of your mouth should be, “I want to speak to my lawyer.” There’s no point in chit-chat with the police officer on the way back to the precinct or when you are being processed. They’re not your friend; however, your attorney is.
For more information on interrogation tactics, please read section two and three.
For a free consultation with an experienced murder defense lawyer in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.