Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

to know oneself and one’s limits cannot be overstated; successful interrogators
must have the ability to restrain their own egos and take themselves out of a
situation or interrogation that they cannot handle.
Pierce argues that interrogation techniques must be individualized for both
the interrogator and the suspect and are very case-specific. Some of the variables
he identified included the crime committed, the suspect’s education level — both
formal and within the judicial system — the suspect’s economic and social status,
etc. At the same time, no matter with whom one is dealing or what crime the
person committed, the single most important aspect of the interrogation, according
to Pierce, is to establish rapport and the appearance of friendship. This is done
mainly to create an environment conducive to a successful interrogation, but also
to maintain the suspect’s constitutional rights while minimizing the likelihood
that the suspect will ask for an attorney.
The typical interrogation in which Pierce is involved proceeds as follows:
1. Conduct the pre-interrogation investigation — gather as much information
as possible about the suspect, the crime scene, the victim, etc.
2. Go through Miranda and other procedural requirements.
3. Build rapport:
a. Leave the suspect alone in a room and observe for signs of
nervousness, fear, etc., through a two-way mirror or a window
in the door to the room.
b. Approach with only a few detectives.
Pierce reports no standard procedure, but never more
than three, and usually two so that one can do the
questioning and another can take notes.
c. Begin talking, offer a smoke, food, and/or drink. Never begin
by “going for the throat” with a direct accusation or attempt to
overwhelm with evidence.
d. Have a two-way conversation and get to a comfort level with
the suspect.
e. Only at this point move to discussion about the crime.
Once Pierce moves into harder questioning of the suspect, the procedure seems
to break down to some degree in that there is no one path to follow. Generally, openended
questions are used to keep suspects talking, to keep them off guard, and to
avoid conveying any information to them. Depending on the suspect, themes such
as those discussed in the Reid Technique (minimization, rationalization, etc.) may
be appropriate. All, however, require sympathy and empathy according to Pierce,
who indicates that he may be using theme development without being consciously
aware of it. Indeed, he reports that the most successful interrogators can make
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