We have all seen television programs that show police interrogating someone, but what do the police actually do during an interrogation? In this blog, we will talk about all the details of the interrogation process and what rights you have during an interrogation.
Police officers employ various clever tactics to gather confessions from suspects they detain on suspicion of criminal misconduct. When the police aim to initiate interrogations, interrogation targets need to know what to expect and how to protect their rights.
Officers isolate suspects from their families and friends to make them feel alone and defenseless. The idea of isolation led to the use of the windowless interrogation room. Once in the interrogation room, the first officer states that the suspect is guilty and that everyone knows it, including the suspect. The officer next offers a theory of the crime, sometimes supported by some evidence, sometimes fabricated, with details that the suspect later repeats back to the officer.
They often use the Reid interrogation technique, first developed in the 1940s. The term “Reid Technique” is now a registered trademark of the firm John E. Reid & Associates, Inc., which offers training courses to law enforcement agencies. The Reid Technique involves three components: factual analysis, interviewing, and interrogation. Even though this technique has been found very useful over the years, there has been considerable academic research on various aspects of police interrogation methods that can lead to false confessions.
When it comes to talking to the police, less is more. “Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.” Therefore, it’s best not to talk too much and accidentally incriminate yourself. Be confident and don’t allow an officer to confuse or intimidate you.
Do You Need to Respond to Police Questioning?
Generally, no. You typically don’t have to answer even if you are under arrest. There are, however, situations where you might have to provide information like identification. Beyond identifying who you are, you can tell the officers you’re invoking your right to remain silent and would like to speak to an attorney. Suspects all too frequently unwittingly reveal information that can later be used as evidence of their guilt.
Dealing with the police is complicated and can be very confusing. The stakes are high in a police investigation, so the smartest thing to do is lawyer up. A lawyer, like Attorney Russell Spatz, who has over four decades of experience in this matter, can investigate your case and help you navigate the legal system. If you find yourself facing a criminal charge in Florida that needs to be taken seriously, or if a loved one has been arrested or charged in Florida, it is imperative to have a professional and experienced attorney on your side.
To meet with Attorney Russell Spatz to discuss your criminal matter, please call the Spatz Law Firm, PL, at 305-442-0200.