Correcting Misinformation About the Reid Technique

Critics of the Reid Technique make several false and erroneous statements (in italics below) when describing the Reid process. In the following pages, we will list their criticisms and our responses.

• The Reid Technique is an accusatory, confrontational process.

Response:

The Reid Technique always begins with a non-confrontational, non-accusatory investigative interview. Throughout the interview process, the investigator should maintain a neutral, objective, non-judgmental fact-finder approach. No accusations of guilt should be made during the interview process.

The interview should begin with casual conversation, biographical information, employment information, etc. to acclimate the subject to the interview process, develop the subject’s behavioral baseline and develop rapport.

The investigator should use open-ended questions to develop the subject’s statement, alibi, story, version of events, or explanation of what happened.

After the subject relates their initial story or version of events, the investigator should then ask a series of questions to develop additional details, as well as questions to clarify the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the incident that is under investigation.