I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the training you provided during the Reid Technique course in Nashville this past June. I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical and concerned about stepping away from a heavy caseload. Like many, I had also heard a number of misconceptions about the Reid Technique. However, my experience in your class completely shifted my perspective. I left the training with not only the material you provided but also a renewed sense of confidence in the process. I created my own BAI worksheet modeled on the one you shared, committed to practicing the interrogation themes, and resolved to go all in on the method. The results have been remarkable. In July 2025, I conducted two interviews in a theft investigation involving approximately $170,000. Due to the victim being over 70 years old, the case was classified as an A Felony of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person—the most serious classification. Both suspects were properly Mirandized and waived their rights. One provided both a full written and video-recorded confession, admitting to multiple elements of deception, including fabricating a pregnancy and child in order to exploit the victim financially. The interview followed the themes I practiced from your training, focusing on immediate financial strain versus malicious intent. I share this with you to express my appreciation and also to ask if there are opportunities for my interrogation videos to be reviewed and critiqued for further improvement. Since completing your class, I have become a Reid Institute Member and have begun studying The Investigator Anthology. My success so far has motivated me to continue sharpening my skills. Thank you again for an excellent training and for the tools you’ve provided.

I am reaching out to detail the successful use of my Reid Technique training. I spent a little over 45 minutes in the box with a very experienced criminal who was previously convicted of several felonies. After utilizing my training, I was able to secure a confession and charges were approved for a Class X felony. In addition, due to the offender’s extensive criminal history, I was able to develop a criminal informant. This individual has provided information to the police in past cases and has worked as a professional CI, which is information I used to develop my theme. While on patrol in an unmarked car and in civilian dress in a high crime area known for countless UUW arrests, my partner and I observed an adult riding a bike on the sidewalk, which is an MCC violation. The offender was outfitted with a chest bag, which is popular method of transporting an illegal firearm. As the driver, I pulled in front of the bike at the next crossing to conduct a street stop. The offender accelerated his speed and fled across the street on his bike. I pursued him in our vehicle down a bike path. The offender turned westbound into a residential area where I could not fit the squad car. We returned to the street where we first encountered the offender. A minute after we returned to the street, we observed the offender round the corner traveling southbound then eastbound heading towards our patrol vehicle. I exited the patrol vehicle and a short foot chase ensued before I grabbed the offender and ripped him off his bike. I immediately cuffed the offender. The offender related several times that he’s a CI and he only fled because he can’t be seen talking to the police. I called for an additional unit so we could search for a firearm. My partner and I split up in opposite directions and I was able to recover a Sig Sauer P365 in excellent condition. We placed the offender in custody and had a marked unit transport the offender to the station. My partner and I remained on scene to canvas the area for security camera footage since neither of us observed the offender discard the firearm. We were able to speak with one individual, but the homeowner was in Indiana and the footage was not immediately available. We returned to the station where I mirandized the offender. I was able to conduct a brief interview regarding his work as a CI. I also confirmed that he was a CI with his old handler. I used this to develop a theme. The offender tried to interrupt several times and attempted to deny possessing the firearm. I was able to develop a theme where he’s now a good guy who has helped the police solve murder cases and remove illegal firearms from the street and he just made a mistake. I related that his work will all be in vain if he lies to me about possessing the firearm we recovered. I presented facts such as the weapon be dry, rust free, and relatively new despite heavy rains the night before into the morning. I also stated that in that firearms are very expensive. I related that I actually owned the same Sig Sauer and paid over $500 for that firearm. I stated that there was video footage of the incident, however, we did not obtain that footage yet. I also related that we would send that firearm in for prints. I was related that we followed the exact path the offender was seen fleeing and the gun was found along his route. After developing a theme and providing evidence I confronted the offender. For over 30 minutes I was able to control the interrogation. I overcame objections several times. The offender was willing to give me information on the location of several firearms, but I continued to tell him we can’t go over anything until he tells me about the gun I found. I related that I am certain the firearm came from either his waistband or his chest bag. I posed the alternative question. Either the gun fell out of the waistband or your chest bag and you decided to come back to us once you were no longer in possession of the firearm or you threw the firearm then came back to the scene because you think were inept police officers. I related that I’ve made over 400 arrests and I’ve recovered over 100 firearms the past 2 years. I believe that the offender is a good guy and the gun may have fallen out that is why he returned. I related that actual undercover officers or CI’s don’t run from the police. A real CI would simply comply with the stop. I then posed my alternative question again and the offender asked to speak with his old handler. I allowed him to do so after I spoke with his handler. After a brief conversation the offender asked to turn my camera off to talk off the record. I told him there is no such thing as off the record. Whatever he has to say will be recorded. After posing my alternative question again the offender related that the firearm was in fact in his waistband. He related that as he was fleeing the gun fell out of his waistband. After the gun fell out of his waistband he returned to the scene where I placed him in custody. The offender related that he just recently bought the gun for protection. We were able to get charges approved for a Class X felon in possession of a firearm previous conviction. I am going to work with the folks at Homan to get this individual signed up as a CI and I will work with the ASA to develop a deal after his preliminary hearing. Needless to say, without a confession we would not have gotten charges approved. This also would have eliminated the possibility of obtaining a CI. I wanted to say thank you for connecting me with this valuable resource. I am excited to continue to learn and I am hoping to make detective in October. Respectfully, Kevin C. Police Officer Chicago Police Department

As a civilian with IG office at SPAWAR Navy IG (2004) schedule a 3-day class in DC with JR Reid. Those who listened and practiced could foretell the liars in past interviews shown while the naysayers could not. I’ve used the techniques and indicators of deception over 100 times getting many confessions of internal thefts and embezzlements. I also brought down a corruption scheme in Pensacola that sent 4 to prison. I recorded dozens of interviews and play them to students and other auditors for training and many times it’s flatly rejected as “that won’t work” or “you can’t prove their guilt by their body mannerisms.” Many can’t seem to understand those clues tell you where to press and what to ignore.

It's always great to be recognized as a provider of training to a police department by a Mayor. “I’m thrilled to hear about all the training,” Mayor Al Koon said. “That was a lot of training you went through, and I think that’s extremely valuable and improves our department and improves each of our officers.” Read article here: https://www.lexingtonchronicle.com/stories/chapin-police-department-shares-april-2025-report,133223

I recently attended the Blaine, MN. Reid Technique on Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation and it was more informative and illuminating than I expected right from the start. Decades of experience but new to Investigation, I watched the youtube@THEREIDTECHNIQUETIPS videos online to prepare for my first investigative interview. The information provided on these videos alone helped me get tangible results (written statements) from my two suspects. The in-person training that followed was invaluable, and provided a clear break down of eliciting the who, what, why, when and where in an investigation. The instructor Mike M. did a great job walking the class through the training with examples of these techniques and explaining why they work. Thank you.

I recently attended the class you taught in San Antonio, Texas. I just wanted to thank you again for a great class and let you know that I have already used the Reid Technique for the first time yesterday. This was on a burglary case where I had one suspect identified but had no idea who the other suspect was who wore a ski mask. I followed the program, and even though my suspect adamantly denied any involvement in the crime, I stuck with it. I was able to get a full confession as to his involvement in the burglary, and even got him to give up the identity of the other suspect, who turned out to be a good friend of his. I don’t think I would have gotten this information before attending your class. Thanks again

I was recently in your course hosted by Franklin, TN. I would like to pass along the good news. Before attending your course I was notified by a Detective in Florida he has a suspect in my area for a child rape case. The Florida Detective requested I interview the suspect with little information other than the disclosure of the juvenile victim. This incident took place 5 years ago but was just recently reported. Going into this interview I had little information and no evidence to support the allegations. Keeping in mind the technique from Reid I obtained a confession from the suspect. Watching the signs of deception play out exactly how we discussed in the class was really something else. I thank you for your work in teaching law enforcement a better way of interviewing. It made a difference for this juvenile victim.

I was a student of the Reid Technique for 30 years in law enforcement career. It was the best of the best. I will always admire the success of the technique.

The Reid training was the most…..complete training I have ever received. The techniques are definitely applicable to the types of investigations I conduct and have significantly increased my abilities to investigate cases and obtain truthful information. No question, it was worth every penny.

Whether you are a 2 year frontline officer, or seasoned veteran of 20+ years, the skills and techniques that you acquire through the John E. Reid Courses are priceless. I used them through my entire 37 year career!