The police officer stops a speeder at an intersection. "May I have your license and registration, Sir?"
"Don't have them."
"Do you want to check in your glove compartment?"
"Nothing there, but a gun."
"A gun?"
"Yep, threw it in there after I shot my wife."
"Where is her body?"
"In the trunk of the car."
The officer calls for back up and a lieutenant arrives at the scene in moments.
"Your license and registration, Sir?"
The driver produces his license from his wallet, then leans over to the glove compartment, opens it and takes out his car registration. No gun is present.
"Could you get out and open your car's trunk?"
"Anything to cooperate." The driver smiles and opens an empty trunk as the lieutenant glances from him to the officer.
"Did you tell this officer, you didn't have a license or registration?"
"No, Sir."
"Did you say you had a gun in the glove compartment you used to shoot your wife?"
"No I did not."
"Did you tell him her body was in the trunk?"
"Nope." The man shook his head. "Next thing he'll be telling you I was speeding."
I know, it's is an oldie, but still funny. Now, let's follow up on what happens during an interrogation.
Most law enforcement entities do not have special training in observing a suspect's gestures, nonverbal indicators, voice tone and body language. Police officers who have moved into investigation or the detective bureau have special training in behavioral sciences.
A detective is educated in searching for truth. As our old TV police Sergeant Joe Friday would tell you he only wanted ''the facts, Ma'am, just the facts.''
This is where the detective finds the truth . . . in fact. But before s/he continues the investigator must take into account the nature of the crime. Is the alleged perpetrator a career criminal? Or is this the first time s/he has ever been arrested? Both of these interviewees will be questioned with different methods in the detective's search.
A woman plays with the charm on her bracelet. Is she avoiding eye contact? Or upset by the loss of the person who gave her the charm?
Has the young man wet his lips with his tongue when asked a specific question because he is thirsty? Or is fear causing his body to react to the questions with a dry mouth?
This guy repeats every question you ask before he gives an answer. Is he looking for time to formulate a plausible answer? Or is he dyslexic and trying to focus on the question?
In each of these cases, the detective will ask a follow up question. S/he will use training and patience. Time is on the investigator's side. The detective works in the station house. He is familiar with the smells, sounds and routine of what goes on around them. The interviewee only wants the questions to end…to be out of here…be back at the job or home on his own couch. These and other variables determine the truth the detective finds in the interview. How would you react to questioning?
Play it safe!
Dennis J. McGowan
Authors! Don't hesitate. Now is the time to send your questions to ReadersRoom2@aol.com. or
www.dennisjmcgowan.com
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