Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

Originally published in 1969 and classified CONFIDENTIAL, this
manual instructs undercover agents on how to prepare themselves
in advance for communist interrogation. The article outlines what to
expect and how to behave at each stage from arrest to interrogation. It
also describes arguments and tactics used to make suspected spies talk
and suggests effective resistance strategies.
Toliver, R. F., and Scharff, H. J. (1978). The Interrogator: The Story of Hanns
Joachim Scharff, Master Interrogator of The Luftwaffe. Fallbrook, CA:
Aero Publishers.
During World War II, Hanns Scharff served as master interrogator of
the Luftwaffe. He questioned captured U.S. fighter pilots of the USAAF
Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. Through analysis of pocket litter, detailed
files on pilots and squadrons, and transcripts of radio communication,
Scharff could convince a captured pilot that he already knew everything.
After the official interview ended, Scharff would induce soldiers to
reveal military secrets through conversation rather than coercion. His
technique included befriending the captured pilots and showing respect
for rank.
Zimmer, H., and Meltzer, M. L. (1957). An Annotated Bibliography of Literature
Relevant to the Interrogation Process. DTIC – AD220465. Washington, DC:
Georgetown University Medical Center. Distribution authorized to U.S.
government agencies and their contractors.
Covering the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, physiology,
psychiatry, and medicine, this bibliography, published in 1957, pulls
together unclassified scientific literature related to the interrogation
process. Complete with abstracts, the bibliography is broken down
into the following sections: interpersonal observation and evaluation;
deception and the accuracy of reported information; communication
and interaction between two persons; communication and interaction
methodology; authority and its internalization; reactions to coercive
pressures; manipulation of the source’s conscious controls; ideological
compliance, conformity, and conversion; morale in combat and
captivity; and the group as a source of support or conflict for the
individual.
Interrogation Case Studies
Bond, M. (2004). “The Enforcer.” New Scientist, 20 November.
Michael Koubi worked for Shin Bet, Israel’s security service, for 21
years and was its chief interrogator from 1987 to 1993. In this interview,
Koubi discusses best practices and provides details on the interrogation
of Sheikh Yassin, the former leader of the Palestinian group Hamas.
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