Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

expressions), vocal cues (e.g., changes in pitch), verbal errors (e.g., so-called
Freudian slips), language patterns (e.g., repeating the question), and measurable
changes in physiological processes (e.g., polygraph examination and voice stress
analysis). While many individuals — including interrogators — are convinced
of their ability to effectively and consistently detect deception, most are unable
to clearly describe the set of behaviors that provided that insight. Further, most
studies indicate that these individuals’ confidence in their lie-catching ability is
not substantiated by performance in controlled conditions.
Although numerous studies have investigated the ability of one individual to
reliably identify another’s efforts to deceive, these studies have been conducted
almost exclusively in the safe environment of laboratory conditions. For the
“deceiver,” there really are no significant consequences involved if he or she is
“caught.” As a result, there is minimal stress involved, yet most theorists suggest
that it is stress that causes the psycho-physical changes that, in turn, are manifested
by external cues (e.g., stereotypical grooming behaviors).
The Strategy of Non-Coercive Interrogation
If source resistance is encountered during screening or during
the opening or reconnaissance phases of the interrogation, noncoercive
methods of sapping opposition and strengthening the
tendency to yield and to cooperate may be applied. Although
these methods appear here in an approximate order of increasing
pressure, it should not be inferred that each is to be tried until
the key fits the lock. On the contrary, a large part of the skill and
the success of the experienced interrogator lies in his ability to
match method to source. The use of unsuccessful techniques will
of itself increase the interrogatee’s will and ability to resist. 76
The effectiveness of most of the non-coercive techniques depends
upon their unsettling effect. The interrogation situation is in
itself disturbing to most people encountering it for the first time.
The aim is to enhance this effect, to disrupt radically the familiar
emotional and psychological associations of the subject. When
this aim is achieved, resistance is seriously impaired. 77
The KUBARK manual offers a broad array of useful insights into the
interrogation process — insights gleaned from extensive real-world experience.
While the coercive approaches are rightfully rejected, it is clear the intelligence
officers and behavioral scientists who contributed to this manual spent considerable
time studying and reflecting upon their craft. It is up to the current generation of
practitioners to sort through this treatise to uncover the invaluable take-aways.
76
KUBARK, 65.
77
KUBARK, 65-66.
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