Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

learned to observe and interpret human communication behavior, are introspective
enough to know themselves, [and] have developed a broad-based understanding
of other personalities.” 411 Ideal experience, according to Aubry, includes years of
field investigation, an “apprenticeship” as an interrogator with continual training
and review, as well as studies in psychology, physiology, criminology, sociology,
and basic physical sciences, literature, and English composition courses. 412 Aubry,
however, concedes that a more realistic expectation is a high school diploma
and at least five years of police experience, with at least two of those “spent in
bona fide investigative duties of criminal violations, preferably as a Detective or
Plainclothesman.” 413
Finally, the other texts point out that excellent acting ability is also a
requirement. 414 The interrogator must convey numerous emotions “without
affecting his judgment or revealing any personal emotion about the subject…[and
must] project sincerity” to conduct an interrogation successfully. 415 He should
“have developed the skill to play ‘the game’ in the interview room and temporarily
assume any other personality.” 416 The interrogator must not only be patient, 417 but
also be capable of conveying infinite patience so that the suspect believes the
interrogation will go on indefinitely. 418
Pre-Interrogation Fact-Gathering and Analysis
All of the authorities agree that a thorough investigation and analysis
of the facts is essential to a successful interrogation. “An interrogation must
be considered as the highlight and the final act of the investigation which has
preceded it.” 419 The Reid Technique’s “fact analysis” provides a good example of
the type and extent of investigation and fact-gathering that is required before an
interrogation. According to the Reid Technique, when possible, the interrogator
should conduct as much of the investigation as possible for himself and should
not merely read the reports of others. 420 This is not a minor or easy task, as the
Reid Technique (and many of the other texts) requires that the interrogator have
information on:
• The offense itself (including the legal nature of the offensive conduct
and the exact amount and nature of the loss; date, time, and place of
the occurrence in accurate detail; description of the crime area and of
the crime scene itself; the way in which the crime appears to have been
committed and known details of its commission; possible motives for its
commission; incriminating factors regarding a particular suspect);
411
Stan B. Walters, Principles of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation (UK: CRC Press, 1996), xi.
412
Aubry and Caputo, see note 406, p. 51.
413
Id. p. 51.
414
Id., p. 44; Royal and Schutt, see note 407, p. 65-66.
415
Id.
416
Walters, see note 411, p. xi.
417
Inbau, see note 109, p. 66.
418
Aubry and Caputo, see note 406, p. 60.
419
Id., p. 148.
420
Inbau, see note 109, p. 12.
177