Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

suspect. 426 In addition, the authors recommend the use of a one-way mirror and a
concealed microphone so that observers can see and hear the interrogation while
maintaining the necessary privacy. 427 This allows fellow investigators to prepare
themselves for later involvement by observing the suspect’s behavior, protects
the interrogator from false accusations of misconduct, and allows observation of
the suspect when he is left alone in the room, both to evaluate his behavior and to
prevent self-inflicted violence. 428
Establishing a sense of privacy through the set-up of the interrogation room is
the first recommendation of almost all authors. 429 “The removal of formal, police
atmosphere, when combined with the illusion of remoteness, with quietness and
the lack of sound and noise, and with privacy; can have a sudden, devastating
effect upon the composure of the individual who has just come from the normal
hustle and bustle of Headquarters.” 430 Moreover, most authors agree on the
psychological premise that it is easier to confide in or confess a secret to one
other person. 431
Aubry goes on to write that there must be a reception room adjoining the
interrogation room where observers can be situated, and the only communication
system between the two rooms should be a two-way buzzer, with the buzzerbutton
in the interrogation room out of the suspect’s view. 432 “A state of quietness
with an absolute minimum of sound also serves a useful purpose in helping to
withdraw the suspect from his environment.” 433 Like the Reid Technique, others
also suggest the removal of all formal restraining agents and evidence that the
suspect is in police custody, such as uniforms or shields. 434 In addition, Aubry
suggests that the physical surroundings be “plain and simple,” painted in a
neutral shade of off-white, and with no windows that might “serve as a constant
distraction and as a convenient psychological crutch upon which the suspect will
lean to his own advantage.” 435 Unlike the Reid Technique, Aubry recommends
against the one-way mirror because it cannot be easily explained, 436 but suggests
using a small picture on the wall to conceal the mirror. 437 In addition, he suggests
using a sound and video recording mechanism, so long as it can be done without
alerting or distracting the suspect. 438
426
Id., p. 51.
427
Id., p. 59.
428
Id.
429
See, e.g., Aubry and Caputo, note 406, p. 66.
430
Id.
431
Inbau, see note 109, p. 51; Aubry and Caputo, see note 406, p. 65.
432
Aubry and Caputo, see note 406, p. 63-65.
433
Id., p. 65.
434
Id., p. 66.
435
Id., p. 66, 67.
436
Id., p. 67.
437
Id., p. 68.
438
Id., p. 71-72.
179