Al-Qaeda-Related Subjects: A Law Enforcement Perspective (From Investigative Interviewing: Rights, Research, Regulation, P 23-41, 2006, Tom Williamson, ed. -- See NCJ-214231)

• NCJ Number: 214233
• Author(s): Michael G. Gelles; Robert McFadden; Randy Borum; Bryan Vossekuil
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The central theme of this paper is that a relationship/rapport-based approach in interviewing/interrogating Middle Eastern Arab subjects who may be affiliated with al-Qaeda networks will generally produce more reliable information than an aggressive approach.

Abstract

There are differences between subjects of al-Qaeda-related terrorist investigations and subjects of other investigations more often conducted by law enforcement personnel. This chapter highlights some of these differences and provides suggestions about how best to interview and interrogate them. The authors provide background information on Middle Eastern Arab al-Qaeda-affiliated detainees. Topics addressed are an understanding of their motivation and the importance of relationship, as well as the concept of jihad and the history of Sunni Islamic extremism that underlies the commitment to terrorism. The chapter also notes what has been learned from experience about interview approaches during detention. Recommendations for interviewing such individuals focus on preparation, development of rapport, the formulation of themes, the management of resistance, and recognizing and managing deception. In promoting a rapport-building and relationship-building strategy for the interview/interrogation of al-Qaeda subjects, the authors argue that aggressive tactics that humiliate, intimidate, and cause physical pain are unlikely to be effective, as they reinforce the jihadists' expectations of Western hostility and aggression toward Islamists because of their faith. Although such tactics may produce information from the subject, it is likely to be unreliable and misleading. This chapter recommends that an interviewer/interrogator first develop a relationship with the subject based on mutual respect and the sharing of ideas. The interrogator begins the strategic interrogation only after a relationship has been established. The tone of the interrogation is not sympathetic and supportive, but rather direct and at times confrontational. 27 references