Interrogation

• NCJ Number: 163073
• Journal: Polygraph Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 237-258
• Author(s): W D Holmes
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper presents a step-by-step interrogation procedure for polygraph examiners that encompasses the seven major phases of criminal interrogation: case analysis, introduction, obtaining background information from the suspect, non-accusatory interrogation, transition from non-accusatory interrogation, accusatory interrogation, and closure.

Abstract

Every interrogation begins with case analysis. A study of the case file will show the probability of guilt, possible motive, and in some instances, the personality structure of the perpetrator. Case analysis provides the polygraph examiner, who through experience becomes a master detective, the probative value of the evidence in the case. The next step after case analysis is the introduction, in which the suspect is told the purpose of the interview. Allow the suspect to give a brief synopsis of the story; this provides a format for the examiner's questions. The third step is to obtain the subject's general background information; this provides a thumbnail sketch of the suspect. In discussing non-accusatory interrogation, the author identifies several factors that affect non-accusatory interrogation, including the environment, the physical positioning between suspect and interrogator, level of inquiry, the attitude of the interrogator, what the suspect has to describe, and the amount of time the suspect has had to prepare his lies. In describing how to question in the non-accusatory phase, 10 rules are outlined. The transition from the non- accusatory to the accusatory interrogation occurs when the examiner determines that, in view of the polygraph results, the suspect's answers are false; the suspect is shown how the polygraph results reveal this. The author provides guidelines for creating accusatory interrogational arguments. Closure involves the use of techniques designed to secure a confession from the suspect who has failed the polygraph exam.