The more you know.
The Reid Technique, formally known as the Reid Psychological Technique, is an interrogation method developed by John E. Reid and Associates in the 1940s and 1950s. It’s primarily used by law enforcement in the United States to elicit confessions from suspects. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

 

  1. Behavioral Analysis Interview (BAI):
    • This initial phase involves a non-accusatory interview where the investigator assesses the subject’s behavior, verbal responses, and body language to determine if the person is likely deceptive or truthful. The focus is on observing signs like posture, eye contact, and verbal cues.
  2. Nine Steps of Interrogation:
    • 1. Direct, Positive Confrontation: The interviewer directly confronts the suspect with the evidence or belief of their guilt.
    • 2. Theme Development: The interrogator offers moral justifications or themes for the crime, trying to minimize the suspect’s moral culpability.
    • 3. Handling Denials: Denials are interrupted to prevent the suspect from gaining confidence or solidifying their denials.
    • 4. Overcoming Objections: The interrogator counters any objections or reasons given by the suspect for not committing the crime.
    • 5. Procurement of the Suspect’s Attention: The focus is shifted to listening to the interrogator rather than formulating their own defense.
    • 6. Handling the Suspect’s Passive Mood: When the suspect becomes quiet or resigned, the interrogator takes this as a sign to push forward.
    • 7. Presenting an Alternative Question: Offering two choices, one more socially acceptable than the other, both implying guilt, e.g., “Did you steal because you needed the money or because you were angry?”
    • 8. Having the Suspect Orally Relate Details of the Offense: Encouraging the suspect to admit to details of the crime.
    • 9. Converting an Oral Confession to a Written One: Ensuring the confession is documented, often with the suspect writing or signing a statement.

 

Criticism and Controversy:
  • The technique has been criticized for leading to false confessions, particularly because of its psychologically coercive methods. Critics argue that it can pressure innocent people into confessing due to the stress, isolation, and manipulation involved in the process.
  • There’s also a debate over its scientific validity, especially regarding the behavioral analysis for detecting deception, which many experts now consider unreliable.
  • Reform and Alternatives: Due to these criticisms, some jurisdictions have moved away from the Reid Technique, advocating for or adopting more evidence-based, less coercive methods like the PEACE model (Preparation and Planning, Engage and Explain, Account, Closure, Evaluate) used in places like the UK.