Interrogations-and-Confessions-Handbook

84 A Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions
and an admission was made. It was often the case that an admission (without
the element of intent) could relate to being at a relevant location and would
often be made prior to a confession.
Negative Responses
These related to denials by the suspect or instances where he or she disputed
an account or declined to agree to a remark. This section also included a
challenging response where the suspect identified or perceived an inference that
was implied within the body of the question, and which he was not prepared
to accept (e.g. ‘You didn’t hear me say that, and you are putting words into my
mouth now’). The right to silence (full or part) was included, but was very rarely
invoked in this sample. A more common response was for the suspect to volunteer
that he couldn’t remember and very occasionally a no reply was entered,
where perhaps the suspect did not have time to answer, as opposed to exercising
his right to silence. Withdraws a confession was also included in this category.
Information or Knowledge
During the course of an interview a suspect might seek additional information
from the officer to clarify an issue or he might ask for specific information in
relation to early release or the likely disposal route for his particular predicament.
This category also included where the suspect asked the officer to repeat
the question.
Rationalization
In this section the suspect might minimize the offence or his responsibility for
it. This would also include where the suspect accepted a scenario or theme that
might have been suggested by the officers or where the suspect provides a motive
or reason for the offence.
Projection
These include references by the suspect who might apportion blame to some
other party or the victim (Inbau, Reid & Buckley, 1986; see Chapter 1, where
these processes are dealt with in more detail).
Emotional Responses
The suspect may sound distressed or cry, and complain of feeling tired or low.
This may coincide with a period of self-blame or remorse and their speech pattern
may give some indication that they are confused, perhaps they do not
understand a straightforward question, or they show signs of a lack of orientation.
They become abusive or angry and raise their voice, or they may seek
assistance. A combination of some of these responses may be indicative of a
psychologically vulnerable individual.