Week 5 - Confession Evidence Flashcards
Confessions are almost impossible to:
retract
Confessions are subject to less ___ than other types of evidence
scrutiny
Confessions are perceived as more __ than other types of evidence
credible
Confessions can be used to convict in the absence of other ______
incriminating evidence
Confessions can override :
exculpatory evidence (evidence which points to them being innocent)
What is “the myth of psychological interrogation”?
a person of sound mind will not confess to a crime they did not commit unless tortured
What is the Mr Big technique?
Undercover officers create a fictional criminal gangs and offer suspect’s membership in exchange for a confession “need to know everything to clean up loose ends”
What are some of the issues with the Mr Big technique?
If the person is innocent, the person is more likely to admit to a crime that they did not commit.
What is the Reid technique?
- Multi step procedure for interrogating suspects: used when suspect is assumed guilty.
- isolation of suspect
- nine-step interrogation technique
- effectively manipulates people, effectively elicits confessions
- ethical??
How many steps are there in the Reid technique?
9
What is an example of minimisation in the Reid technique?
Expectation of leniency “we can help you, just tell us what you know”
What is an example of maximisation in the Reid tehcnique?
Threat of greater punishment.
What are minimisation and maximisation shown to increase in interrogations?
False confessions
What is an example of direct confrontation in the Reid technique?
“We know you were involved”
“In this folder I have al the evidence I need” (this can be false)
What is theme development in the Reid technique?
The talking stage.
Talk about why might this happen, not if they did it. - minimisation.
What is stopping denials in the Reid technique?
Everyone denies guilt initially. Innocent people will step up their denials. Denials must be stopped before they can be completed.
What is overcoming objections in the Reid technique?
- Suspect gives reasons why the accusation is false
- interrogator unsurprised then “accepts” the statement “we know it wasn’t your false, tell us what happened”
What is keeping the suspect’s attention in the Reid technique?
Suspect becomes withdrawn, tense, or confused.
Reduce physical distance
Physical gestures to show sincerity and understanding
What is the step, excuses, understanding and sympathy in the Reid technique?
Suspect may cry or be defeated.
Maintain close physical proximity.
Introduce the idea of an alternative question “did you steal that money to buy drugs, or to help out your family?”
What is the step the lesser of two evils in the Reid technique?
Suspect can choose from two versions of the crime. Morally acceptable version preserves self image.
What is the step, elicit a verbal confession step in the Reid technique?
“We want to hear it form you so we can document” once alternative is accepted, interrogator confirms belief in the suspect’s story. Encouraged to tell their story again using open ended questions. Obtain info only the guilty party would know (contamination).
What is the last step of the Reid technique?
Convert to a written confession.
Although somewhat unethical, what is the most powerful interviewing technique to elicit a confession?
The Reid technique.
How can confessions affect other evidence with E/W identification?
- participants viewed crime and lineup
- some later told that a different person had confessed
- Ps who previously identified no-one: 50% changed their decision
- Ps who previously picked someone else: 61% changed their decision
