Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

to find a better operational exemplar than the objective established by the British
MI-5 interrogation program during World War II: Truth in the shortest possible
time. 667
The second consideration, internal consistency, refers to an interrogation
approach plan and questioning methodology that progress logically toward a
pre-defined objective. Each action builds upon the last and sets the stage for the
next. By contrast, an interrogation in which themes and/or participants constantly
change in a scramble to identify a productive approach would reflect a lack of
internal consistency. Internal consistency suggests far more than a beginning
and an end state (although these are important factors): it requires an exquisitely
detailed, yet highly accommodating, map of the course to follow between those
two points. Admittedly, the complexity of any interaction between two individuals
makes it unlikely that every nuance, challenge, or turn of events can be realistically
anticipated. Nonetheless, an exhaustive planning effort will (1) enable the
interrogator (or, better, interrogation team) to gain some measure of knowledge/
expertise in the areas that are likely to surface, (2) lead to the development of an
overarching strategy (as well as tactics to deal with an array of possible tangents
or diversions), and (3) make it possible to devise an acceptable alternative should
intractable defiance be encountered. 668
One final note is warranted with respect to “focus.” For the interrogator,
effective focus implies not only a disciplined centering on the goals and objectives
of the interrogation effort, but also a simultaneous awareness and consideration
of the source’s goals and objectives. Too often, interrogators intensely and
aggressively pursue their operational agenda without sufficiently acknowledging
that the source, too, has an agenda. In essence, the interpersonal barrier challenges
the interrogator to skillfully assume multiple roles in the perceptual position
paradigm that comprises fi rst, second, and third positions:
First Position – From the first position, the interrogator views
the exchange from his or her point of view. This is a common
perceptual perspective and the one naturally assumed by most
individuals.
Second Position – Assuming the second position involves
an effort to view the exchange from the source’s point of
view. This involves not only a consideration of the source’s
feelings, desires, fears, hopes, etc., but also — and of equal
importance — how the source might view the interrogator’s
approach (i.e., as compelling, helpful, threatening, etc.). From
667
United Kingdom Public Record Office, Camp 020: MI5 and the Nazi Spies (Richmond, UK:
Public Record Office, 2000), 109. Truth in the shortest possible time” was the objective established for
the World War II MI-5 interrogation program known as Camp 020, which targeted suspected Abwehr
(German intelligence) spies. This Schwerpunkt was based on the operational consideration that “some
information in time is worth an encyclopedia out of date.”
668
In negotiation theory, this is referred to as a Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
(BATNA).
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