Police questioning techniques in tape recorded interviews with criminal suspects.

This paper describes some of the basic questioning techniques employed in contemporary tape recorded interviews of suspects in criminal investigations. First it shows how detectives attempt to question for information and/or confessions. Two basic questioning strategies are identified, in which the aim is either to gather information or a confession. The implications of each strategy are discussed, for example, certain confession oriented strategies may invite defences based on the suggestibility of the suspect. The second part of the paper shows how detectives cope with suspects who use their right of silence. Five distinct strategies are identified, ranging from avoidance, where officers terminate questioning immediately after silence is encountered, to rationalization, where officers argue directly against the use of silence in interviews. The questioning techniques are discussed in relation to the need for officers to receive training in interviewing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]