Customer Reviews

Criminal Interrogations and Confessions

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Insightful reading, but you should also read this book for a good explanation as to why some of the techniques can end up sending the innocent to jail or death: Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts

This book provides great material for cross examination of detectives and other police agents because very few of them follow it or understand it, but most will admit that they received training in it and believe in it. Today it works even better than years ago because most bigger police agencies routinely videotape interrogations. As a simple example, chapter 2 talks about obtaining and verifying factual information. Remarkably, cops often skip this very easy step because they "know" what happened from talking to people. Many cops skip simple steps like verifying whether the witness really did buy an airline ticket or really did meet someone at a restaurant and pay with a credit card.

But for the few really good detectives out there (and they do exist), this book helps them sew up the case.

I have to disagree with D. Rogers that there is "no scientific approach." Just one example would be the utilization of what is called by Dr. Robert Cialdini, (Influence; Science and Practice) the Commitment and Consistency Principal. The Reid Technique encourages interrogators to never let the suspect say, "I didn't do it." The scientific studies concerning why the suspect would be more solid in his denial are clearly supported in Cialdini's new book, "Yes," and also "Freedman, J.L;, and Fraser, S.C. (1966). Compliance without pressure: The foot-in-the-door technique. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 4:195-203.

This is just one instance of a plethura of examples I could site concerning the science involved in the Reid Technique.

As for "overtly simple in style," I find nothing assaulting to my intelligence by a well written, clearly explained book. After all, the purpose of instructional books is to teach others. I give this book an A+.

Item was as advertised, delivered promptly, and was priced reasonably. Will continue to do business when needed.

This is a good book for anyone going into law enforcement. I had to buy it for class, but I will be keeping it because the book will be great for reference down the road!