Investigator Tips
Current Investigator Tip
The Reid Technique is a Non-confrontational, Non-accusatory Process
Sep 09, 2024
Oftentimes defense attorneys, social psychologists, academicians, and members of the media describe the Reid Technique as an accusatory process, and they should (and many do) know better.
Over 55 years ago John...
Previous Tips
INTERPRETING VERBAL PHRASES
Sep 01, 1999
During an interview a subject freely chooses which words or phrases to use when responding to the investigator's question. This choice is not random or haphazard; it is carefully selected to offer...
Legal Considerations When Asking an Alternative Question
Aug 01, 1999
An investigator is asking a great deal from a guilty suspect to confess to a crime which may potentially involve substantial punishment. For this reason, the suspect must be allowed to make...
PARALINGUISTIC COMMUNICATION
Jul 01, 1999
The paralinguistic channel of communication is defined as speech characteristics falling outside of the spoken word. Just as a subject's nonverbal behavior can completely alter the meaning of words within a verbal...
Note Taking During an Interview
Jun 01, 1999
When participants see video-taped interviews at our seminars, it is obvious that our interviewers take a written note following each response offered by a subject. The Reid Technique advocates active note taking...
EVALUATING A SUBJECT'S POSTURE DURING AN INTERVIEW
May 01, 1999
The foundation of a subject's nonverbal communication is his posture. How a person's body is positioned in a chair often dictates arm and leg movements and, in some cases, even eye contact...
Taking a Statement From a Victim or Complainant
Apr 01, 1999
Many investigations begin with an interview of a victim or complainant. The success of the investigation, and subsequent prosecution of a suspect, will often depend on the accuracy and credibility of the...
The Importance of Pursuing Communication With Others When Mentioned During an Interview
Mar 01, 1999
Frequently, when an investigator asks a subject to recount the events of a particular date, the subject will include a telephone call, personal conversation or letter received. These communications can be gold...
EVALUATING HAND BEHAVIOR DURING AN INTERVIEW
Feb 01, 1999
Nonverbal communication often provides information about the sincerity or truthfulness of a person's verbal statement. In this context, hand activity is important for an investigator to evaluate during a subject's response to...
Importance of Privacy During an Interview
Jan 01, 1999
We have all had the experience where a person tells us something in private that he never would have told us in a public setting. It is well accepted that it is...
Distinguishing Between Admissions and Confessions
Dec 01, 1998
An admission represents a statement that tends toward proving guilt. On the other hand, a confession is a fully corroborated statement during which the suspect accepts personal responsibility for committing a crime...