Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

the suspect “man-to-man” rather than “police officer-to-prisoner” to create a more
conducive environment for the interrogation. 475
The Reid Technique
The heart of the Reid Technique is a nine-step approach to interrogation. The
steps provide an over-arching schema that can be used to guide the interrogator
through the interrogation process. It gives the interrogator signposts and helps him
structure the interrogation in what the authors believe is an effective manner. The
Reid Technique authors emphasize that not all of the steps are appropriate in every
interrogation, and that the order in which the steps are presented is not dispositive
— the investigator should carefully observe the suspect’s responses and adjust his
questioning accordingly. 476 Indeed, the authors suggest that different approaches
are needed for the “emotional offender” and the “nonemotional offender;” the first
requires tactics and techniques based on a sympathetic approach (“expressions
of understanding and compassion with regard to the commission of the offense
as well as the suspect’s present difficulty”), while the latter requires a “factual
analysis approach” (appeals to “common sense and reason”). 477
The text provides both a brief and in-depth analysis of the nine steps. Here
we attempt to condense that information into an even briefer introduction to the
nine steps, with a recommendation to consult the text for a deeper understanding
of the Reid Technique.
Step 1 – Direct, Positive Confrontation
The interrogator confronts the suspect, asserting that he is “considered to be
the person who committed the offense.” 478 The suspect’s verbal and nonverbal
response at this point will determine much of how the interrogation proceeds, but
in any event the interrogator also now offers a compelling reason for the suspect
to tell the truth. 479
Step 2 – Theme Development
“The investigator expresses a supposition [called a theme] about the reason
for the crime’s commission, whereby the suspect should be offered a possible
moral excuse for having committed the offense.” 480 The investigator should
“present to the suspect, in a monologue, reasons and excuses which morally (not
legally) excuse the suspect’s behavior…The themes do not plant new ideas in the
deceptive suspect’s mind, but allow the suspect to feel more comfortable talking
about his crime by allowing him to reduce the perceived consequences associated
with it — both real consequences (those affecting his freedom or livelihood)
and personal consequences (those affecting the suspect’s self-esteem).” 481 This
475
Id., p. 83.
476
Id., p. 212.
477
Id., p. 210.
478
Id.
479
Id.
480
Id.
481
John E. Reid and Associates, see note 473.
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