14Mar 2016

Interrogation of juvenile suspects can yield false confessions

A study recently released by the American Bar Association calls for a change in interrogation techniques when dealing with juveniles. The conclusion of the study found that psychological interrogation techniques designed for seasoned adult criminals are commonly used with juveniles. These techniques exploit developmental vulnerabilities relating to judgement and decision making. Juveniles often react with impulsivity, a tendency to be motivated by short-term rewards, and vulnerability to pressure. This can lead to a conclusion that confessing is the easiest way out of a difficult situation, even when the confession is not true.

Many law enforcement officers have been trained in interrogation according to the Reid Technique, developed by John E. Reid and Associates of Chicago Illinois specifically to extract confessions. The company has cautioned that the technique should be used only when authorities are confident the subject is guilty of the crime. It presumes guilt, is highly dependent upon accusation, and is extremely manipulative, especially for younger suspects.

There are three phases to the technique. The first involves watching a suspect’s body language and behavior and interpreting verbal cues during a period of open-ended, nonconfrontational questioning. It has been nicknamed the “human lie detector” because officers are judging guilt or innocence through the observation of the suspect’s behavior. Officers are taught to watch for lack of eye contact, slouching, crossing the arms, and scratching the nose, all of which might indication the person is not being honest. Responses such as “I don’t know” and I can’t remember” are also judged as indications of lying. Understandably, a teen being questioned by adults might act this way simply because he is afraid or nervous, but not guilty of any wrongdoing; however, if the officers take these signs as proof of lying and guilt, they may be taking the first step down the road to wrongful conviction.

The second phase is interrogation. This is when the conversation becomes tougher. The suspect is isolated in a small room, if this has not already been done, to raise anxiety levels. He is then confronted with the crime and relentlessly accused, with officers showing unwavering confidence in his guilt. Authorities reject all claims of innocence made by the suspect and try to make him feel caught. They may lie about evidence that “proves” guilt, even when there is none. Next, they may try to make the subject believe it is okay if there is a rational excuse for the alleged crime. This may include a suggestion that a confession will result in more lenient treatment. Officers often suggest that confessing will actually help the suspect by saying it will make everything “okay”. They may imply that the person will be allowed to go home or get help if they confess. These pressures often overwhelm a juvenile.

The final phase is confession, which is recording by video or in writing. These recordings often show that the interrogators have provided the suspect with “inside information” that only the guilty party would know. Then the details are brought out by the use of leading questions which make it simple for the subject to include the incriminating details into a false–but convincingly believable–confession.

The study concluded that interrogation of children and teens requires special care. Since their brains are not fully developed, they tend to make poorer decisions and be more impulsive, especially when influenced by stress and fear such as that resulting from the Reid Technique. They usually have a limited knowledge of the criminal justice system, which makes it more difficult in weighing potential consequences of making a false confession.

In spite of these cautions, Reid & Associates is now teaching the technique to school administrators in at least twelve states. This is especially problematic since students questioned at school have fewer rights than when they are questioned by law enforcement officials.

The study cautions judges and jurors to be wary of juvenile confessions and demand evidence of the suspect’s guilt beyond any statement made while under interrogation. It also states that teachers would be wise to fight the use of the Reid Technique in their school, and parents should require notification before an administrator interrogates their child.

17 responses on “Interrogation of juvenile suspects can yield false confessions

  1. Hi Neat post Theres an issue together with your web site in internet explorer may test this IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem

  2. 刷讚 says:

    upysm.com 是一個專業的社交媒體推廣平台,提供各種刷粉絲服務,讓您的Instagram、Facebook、Youtube等帳號快速增加人氣和影響力。無論您是個人創作者還是企業品牌,我們都可以為您量身定制最合適的方案,讓您在社交媒體上脫穎而出。

  3. I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual supply in your visitors Is gonna be back regularly to check up on new posts

  4. binance- says:

    Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.com/ka-GE/register?ref=DB40ITMB

  5. Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.info/pt-BR/join?ref=DB40ITMB

  6. Many people use their lotteries to raise money for valuable initiatives that improve education, public infrastructure and sociable services.
    Once the lottery is played by you, you’re assisting to finance these programs while you finance your own wishes of winning
    it big. Have fun and good luck!

  7. A lot of people get off and discover pleasure in naked bodies than with
    clothing or lingerie. Another factor is definitely vulnerability-a naked woman senses embarrassment and humiliation within a foreplay and that is why it really is searched for.
    When someone will be naked, they sense vulnerable and revealed, nude sex feels more personal than clothed one.
    Vulnerability is a major turn on specifically for a lot of men because they feel the sense of dominance during intercourse.
    A lot of nude porn are usually visual in its content also, since they emphasize the nakedness of the stars they zoom directly into private parts frequently concealed such as the tits as well as the pussy, a lot of nude porn concentrate
    on penetration. Nude porn will be fairly regular and you may see the genre attached to a lot of various other categories, therefore you will not find it difficult to locate your narrative of interest when eating this porn.
    Some of these are bondage porn, since intercourse is meant to
    be always a sacred ritual, viewing a naked woman get fucked is a good fap
    materials for a lot of males. Seeing a person naked is like knowing
    their secrets and viewing them defenseless for some, this is the reason why
    nude porn is really a well-known genre among all audiences.

  8. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  9. What’s up mates, good piece of writing and nice arguments commented at this place,
    I am genuinely enjoying by these.

  10. Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological globe all is accessible
    on net?

  11. helloI really like your writing so a lot share we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL I need an expert in this house to unravel my problem May be that is you Taking a look ahead to see you

  12. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://www.binance.info/es/join?ref=UM6SMJM3

  13. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?

  14. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://accounts.binance.com/sv/register-person?ref=YY80CKRN

  15. I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person supply on your guests? Is going to be back incessantly to investigate cross-check new posts.

  16. I have read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how so much attempt you put to create any such fantastic informative site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *