How to Interrogate

Good cop, bad cop. We've all seen the process of interrogation at work on TV and in the movies. Interrogation involves careful observation and attention to details. You can learn the art of interrogation and how to get a signed confession.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Review the information before you begin questioning. Gather case files, witness accounts and other information on the subject. You should evaluate all the information you have concerning the suspect.

2. Set goals for the interview. Set a goal for getting the answer to one question for each round of interrogation so that each piece of information leads to another.

3. Have a suspect tell his or her version of what happened. Without interrupting, allow the suspect to relate the entire story of what happened. Don't point out holes in the story yet, but takes good notes and recordings.

4. Watch closely for clues of stress. An unconscious gesture, expression or verbal tell can indicate stress or lying. These include scratching, twitching, shifting and rapid breathing.

5. Add stress into the interview by reviewing the suspect's story, step by step. Watch for verbal and nonverbal clues. Throw the suspect off balance by adding in irrelevant questions.

6. Make direct eye contact and accuse the suspect of the crime. Rationalize the crime and offer him a way to save face. Offer a way to cut a deal for a lesser sentence.

Tips & Warnings

• If the suspect starts to negotiate with you, then you've found your guilty party. The suspect must have information about the crime in order to cut any kind of deal.

• You may have to let the suspect go if you cannot gain a confession or make an arrest. Let the suspect know that you'll be keeping an eye on him.