Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

2. Behaviors must be relatively consistent when stimuli (such as a
particular area of inquiry) are presented.
3. The interviewer must establish what is normal or baseline
behavior for each subject and then look for changes from the
normal baseline.
This is done by asking non-threatening questions and observing
the suspect’s unstressed behavior.
4. These observed changes in the subject’s baseline behaviors are
diagnosed in clusters, not individually.
5. Behaviors must be timely (i.e., they must occur within three to
five seconds of when the stress-provoking question is asked).
6. The subjects are watching interrogators while interrogators are
watching them.
7. Kinesic interviewing is not as reliable with some groups as with
the general population. 470
The PKAP indicators of deception are also extremely similar to those listed
in the BSA, and cover a range of behavioral and verbal responses. 471 As in the
Reid Technique, it is only after this analysis — PKAP — and a determination that
the suspect is either being deceptive or is responding to stimuli inappropriately
that the investigator moves into the interrogation stage. 472
Interrogating the Suspect
“The interview and interrogation are distinctly different procedures, usually
separated by several minutes.” 473 Once the investigator decides to shift from
interviewing to interrogation, the Reid Technique advises investigators to “sit
approximately four feet directly in front of the suspect” at the beginning; “remain
seated and refrain from pacing around the room;” “avoid creating the impression
that the investigator is seeking a confession or conviction;” “keep paper and pencil
out of sight during the interrogation;” “not use realistic words such as ‘murder,’
‘rape,’ ‘strangle,’ ‘stab,’ or ‘steal,’ except in certain situations;” “treat the suspect
with decency and respect, regardless of the nature of the offense;” “not handcuff or
shackle the suspect during the interrogation;” “not be armed;” and “recognize that
in everyone there is some good, however slight it might be.” 474 These suggestions
are based on both practical necessities and psychological principles; for instance,
the authors recommend not being armed not only because the suspect might seize
the weapon in close quarters, but also because the interrogator should approach
470
Id., p. 8.
471
Id. , p. 18-138.
472
Id., p. 2.
473
John E. Reid and Associates, Defending the Reid Technique of Interrogation, at http://www.reid.
com/educational_info/critictechniquedefend.html, accessed 13 March 2005.
474
Inbau, see note 109, p. 79-84.
186