What is the silence technique in interrogation?

Asked by: Vanessa Nikolaus  |  Last update: October 19, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)

Silence is a technique to use during an interrogation. There's a natural social pressure to exchange comments in a conversation. When used appropriately, a subject will fill in the silence with their own comments. Depending on the subjects personality, they may begin to divulge useful information.

What happens if you stay silent during interrogation?

But silence doesn't work to invoke (assert) one's Miranda rights. The Supreme Court decided that suspects must clearly and unequivocally invoke their right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. If they don't, police can continue to question the suspect and any answers given will likely be admissible.

What is the most popular interrogation technique?

Law enforcement will use a variety of techniques to interrogate a suspect. The Reid interrogation technique is the most common and includes tactics like direct confrontation or presenting evidence and allowing a suspect to confess. Deception is the use of false claims to aid in the interrogation process.

Is the Reid technique still used?

Courts throughout the country have recognized The Reid Technique® as the leading interview and interrogation approach used today.

What are the 9 steps of the Reid technique?

6.1 The Reid Nine Steps of Interrogation
  1. Engaging in a positive confrontation.
  2. Developing a theme.
  3. Handling denials.
  4. Overcoming objections.
  5. Retaining the subject's attention.
  6. Handling the suspect's mood.
  7. Creating an opportunity to confess.
  8. Obtaining an oral confession.

The Silent Struggle: How Detective Training Gaps Hinder Interrogation Success

41 related questions found

What is the mutt and jeff technique?

The "MUTT AND JEFF" ("FRIEND AND FOE") APPROACH involves a psychological ploy . . . [in which] two experienced interrogators who are convincing actors . . . display opposing personalities and attitudes toward the source. . . . The first interrogator . . . displays an unsympathetic attitude. . . .

What are the 4 stages of interrogation?

Walters describes four fundamental stages of the interview: (1) orientation, (2) narration, (3) cross-examination, and (4) resolution (Id. at 25-29). The investigator uses information gathered during the first phase to tailor interrogation for the specific subject.

Does the FBI use the Reid Technique?

The manual confirmed American Civil Liberties Union concerns that FBI agents used the Reid technique in interrogations. Abuses of interrogation methods include officers treating accused suspects aggressively and telling them lies about the amount of evidence proving their guilt.

What is the kinesic technique?

The kinesic interview technique is used to attempt to read the interview subject's reaction to stress. There are several types of questions that can be used in the kinesic interview to provide clues to the guilt or innocence of the interview subject. One type of question is the "punishment" question.

What is the success rate of the Reid Technique?

95% of respondents reported that using The Reid Technique helped them to improved their confession rate. The majority of respondents said they increased their confession rate over 25%. Almost a quarter of respondents said they increased their confession rates as much as 50%.

How to beat a police interrogation?

A Simple 3-Step Interrogation Survival Guide
  1. #1: Be Quiet. You're probably already familiar with your Miranda rights as the famous lines, “You have the right to remain silent. ...
  2. #2: Don't Take a Polygraph Without Consulting An Attorney. ...
  3. #3: Stay Calm. ...
  4. John R.

What is the Scharff technique of interrogation?

The Scharff technique is founded on the tactics used by the renowned German WWII interrogator Hanns Scharff (1907–1992). The technique aims to collect intelligence from sources who are prepared to share only small portions of the information they possess (Granhag, 2010).

What are the intimidation tactics used by police?

Another tactic the police could utilize is to verbally and emotionally intimidate you. They could yell at you or throw papers at you to scare you. The police could also keep you in the interrogation room for hours or throughout the night to wear you down until you confess.

What not to do in an interrogation?

Don't lie. Whatever you tell must be the truth. Otherwise, if the implicated person detects the lie, he or she will believe that you are bluffing and have no proof of his or her wrongdoing. Don't lose your temper.

Can a cop handcuff you without reading your rights?

The police are not required to read your Miranda rights at the time of the initial arrest unless they intend to interrogate you at that moment. In most cases, the Miranda warning is only required once you are in police custody and facing interrogation.

Can you just walk out of an interrogation?

You can say, “I do not want to talk to you” and walk away calmly. Or, if you do not feel comfortable doing that, you can ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, you can consider just walking away.

What is the Reid technique in interrogation?

Reid Interrogation is the brand name for a method of asking questions that uses both coercion and deception as part of the technique. It was developed by John Reid and Frank Inbau in the late 50's for interviewing and questioning suspects and at the time it was considered a major improvement from the “Third Degree”.

What is the Mendez method?

The Méndez Principles provide an alternative to coercive and confession-based interrogation. They promote rapport-based interviewing, combined with the implementation of safeguards, during criminal justice investigations and other forms of information-gathering processes.

What does kinesics look at?

Kinesics. The word kinesics. comes from the root word kinesis, which means “movement,” and refers to the study of hand, arm, body, and face movements. Specifically, this section will outline the use of gestures, head movements and posture, eye contact, and facial expressions as nonverbal communication.

What are the 9 steps of interrogation?

  • Step One: Direct Positive Confrontation. A. ...
  • Step Two: Theme Development. A. ...
  • Step Three: Stopping Denials. A. ...
  • Step Four: Overcoming Objections. A. ...
  • Step Five: Getting the Suspect's Attention. A. ...
  • Step Six: The Suspect Quiets and Listens. ...
  • Step Seven: Alternatives. ...
  • Step Eight: Bringing the Suspect into the Conversation.

What causes false confessions?

False confessions occur more than most people think and result from a variety of factors, including the use of coercive and deceptive tactics during an interrogation.

What is the peace method of interrogation?

The PEACE method of investigative interviewing is a five stage process in which investigators try to build rapport and allow a criminal suspect to provide their account of events uninterrupted, before presenting the suspect with any evidence of inconsistencies or contradictions.

What is step 7 of the Reid technique?

Step 7: Presenting the Alternative Question Understanding the Alternative Using Positive and Negative Supporting Statements. Step 8: Having the Suspect Orally Relate the Details of the Crime Committing the Suspect to the crime Guard Against False Confessions. Step 9: Elements of Oral and Written Statements.

Where is the best place to interrogate a suspect is usually?

The best place to interrogate a suspect is usually at the police station. It allows law enforcement officials to maintain control of the situation and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. The police station is equipped with facilities and resources that aid in the investigation process.

What is the difference between Reid and peace?

What is the PEACE vs Reid technique? The PEACE model is a non-coercive method of investigative interviewing focused on gathering accurate information and establishing rapport, while the Reid technique uses more accusatory tactics to detect deception and elicit confessions.