Customer Reviews

Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques, Second Edition

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This book is the benchmark by which all other books on the art and science of interviewing and interrogation should be measured. It is truly a grand tour in every sense of the term. The text covers the greatest discoveries, techniques and practices in the field, and provides valuable insights by the authors, who are widely acknowledged experts and seasoned practitioners. The historical basis for truth-determining techniques is discussed at some length. However, the book really shines in its coverage of interviewing and interrogation theories and techniques developed over the past eighty years, paralleling the great advancements in law enforcement and psychology. The authors present a concise, insightful and balanced examination of the significant theories and theoreticians in the field, all the while drawing upon their substantial knowledge and expertise when evaluating and assessing the various theories and techniques discussed throughout the book. Their observations on interrogation ethics post 9-11 are thought-provoking.

Through words and illustrations the authors bring to life verbal and non-verbal truth/falsity indicators. The two subject areas that I found particularly interesting and useful were the Forensic Assessment Interview Technique ("FAINT") and the Morgan Thematic Apperception Testing Technique ("MITT"). Although these techniques are quite sophisticated, the authors' explanations and discussions are so clear and well-presented that virtually anyone will be able to understand and appreciate them.

Several reviews commented that the book is easy to read. While that is so, the simplicity and clarity of the text belie the considerable range and depth of thought and insight that went into this book. As such, I would advise readers to slowly digest the book, one paragraph at a time, if possible, and really give the text some thought. In doing so you will most likely gain a much better appreciation of the subject matter. As someone with an extensive law enforcement and legal background who thought he knew everything there was to know about interviewing, I can honestly say that this book really expanded my knowledge and appreciation of the subject.

"Effective Interviewing & Interrogation Techniques" provides an informative overview of detecting and understanding deception. The chapter on the psycho-physiological basis of forensic assessment outlines freeze/hide and fight/flight responses, as well as, basic respondant and operant conditioning. Additionally, question formulation and verbal/non-verbal communication are addressed in an easily understood method.

Forensic clinicans and psychologists would all tremendously benefit from obtaining the knowledge provided. Although, we do not interrogate patients, the use of these techniques will provide emotionally-charged information not yet disclosed by the patient, which can then be effectively integrated into conceptualization and treatment. This book provides skills essential to those treating patients with antisocial personality disorder and/or comorbid psychopathy. The proposed interviewing and interrogation techniques provide methods of assessment much less invasive and time consuming than typical projective (e.g. Rorschach) and personality (e.g. MMPI) measures.

I've never done much of this kind of stuff before I bought the book, but I must say that not only has it helped in finding when people are lying, it is a great read if you are just curious. The system can't be beat... even if you know what you should avoid.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the truth extraction and evaluation process. It contains valuable insight into the importance of question construction, sequencing and the quantitative assessment methods employed to evaluate a respondent's answers. The indepth description of parallel truth/deception indicators such as body language, response tone, attention span, etc. and how they provide clues about an individual's honesty are interesting and useful.

This book is a must read as a first step into the world of interviewing job applicants, suspects and others.