Police Interrogations are not to be taken lightly if you are approached by any type of law enforcement officer who wants to talk to you. Before agreeing to any questioning, it is imperative that you contact an attorney first. Otherwise, you may fall victim to the tricks the police use during police interrogations, which are discussed below.
1. Police Detectives Pretend They’re Your Ally
When an interrogation first begins, cops will tend to offer the suspect a drink or snack, so they feel welcomed and comfortable in the room. This puts the suspect at ease creating a feeling of relaxation. The detective will then begin the conversation with small talk, trying to bond over things you may share in common to build rapport. If the suspect feels unthreatened from their first impression of the officer, they are much more likely to share more information throughout the police interrogation. This is what the police want. Officers will ask open-ended questions while the suspect is feeling calm, which can later create inconsistencies in their story that will be used against them in criminal case proceedings.
2. Positive Confrontation By the Police Officer
Once the suspect is comfortable, police will kindly confront them about the situation at hand. The police will tell the suspect they already know they are guilty, and all they want to know is the truth and why they did what they’re being accused of. This is how they will try to get out a confession, even if there is no evidence. Keep in mind, police officers can legally lie to the suspect about any sort of evidence, just to see if they will fess up to anything. This can include claiming they have fingerprints, audio recordings, witnesses, video recordings, DNA, surveillance tapes, etc. Since police speak with such certainty when trying to get a confession out of someone, this can lead suspects to admitting to something they didn’t even do. While this is uncommon, it does happen, and people have accidentally ruined their own lives because the police convinced them they did something.
3. Police Immediately Shut Down Any Type of Denial
Officers will immediately shut down any sort of denials a suspect may make so they feel as if there is no way out. If a suspect feels there is nothing they can do or say to be seen as innocent in the situation, they are far more likely to just give up. When a suspect begins denying something they are accused of, the officer will immediately cut off what they’re saying by disapproving their claim, and then divert the conversation to the main thing they want them to confess to.
4. Offer a Way Out With Minimizing the Crime
Once the officer has a suspect feeling hopeless about their situation, they will often talk to the suspect in a way that justifies the crime committed. The officer will change their tone and speak from a much more understanding point of view, affirming that the crime was what the suspect had to do in their situation. This leads the suspect to believe the crime they committed is justifiable if someone else can relate, and they will be much more willing to admit to the crime this way.
5. Leaving the Suspect in the Interrogation Room
It is very common for officers to leave the room in the middle of an interrogation for a long period of time to allow the suspect to be alone with their thoughts. Since there is nothing else in the room for a suspect to be distracted by, they must sit and think about their situation for however long the officer chooses to leave them in there. This tactic also instills a feeling of powerlessness within the suspect. This can happen at any time throughout an interrogation whenever the officer feels it is necessary. During this time the suspect is still being video recorded so any statements they make during this alone time will often be used.
What To Do If You Get Called Into Police Interrogations?
If you are faced with an interrogation, you must invoke your right to an attorney. It is a common misconception that refusing to talk to the police makes you look guilty, especially if you are innocent. In reality, when you use your right to remain silent you are not allowing anyone to twist your words, or put you in a trap that will only worsen your situation. Detectives have perfected their jobs for years, and no average civilian can throw off their strategies in a police interrogation. It’s urgent you seek help from an experienced attorney to help you move forward when you’re involved with any sort of trouble.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we can help guide you through the process of police questioning, and what may come next. We offer a free 30-minute consultation over the phone and a free quote as well. You deserve a voice that will fight for you before you even have to speak to the police. Call today at 855-505-5588.