The Reid Technique


The Reid Technique:

Some argue that this technique is useful for gaining information from unwilling subjects.

However, this technique is also criticised as manipulating people into false confessions. In fact, a confession in 1955 which originally popularised this method was later proved to be false.

This technique has three phases. It begins with Fact Analysis, followed by a Behaviour Analysis( non-accusatory) and finishes with the Reid Nine Steps of Interrogation.

1.       Confrontation. Show that evidence has led to the belief that the individual is the suspect. Offer them an early opportunity to explain why the offense happened- Tupolski does not do this, however Katurian is giving time where he denies his understanding of the situation.

2.       Theme development. Develop possible reasons that would physiologically justify, excuse the crime.

3.       Stopping Denials. Minimise the denials of the suspect

4.       Overcoming Objections. The accused gives a reason why they didn’t commit the crime. Lead this in a direction that helps them acknowledge what they did.

5.       Getting Suspects Attention. Reinforce sincerity, you want the subject to be receptive

6.       Suspect Loses Resolve. Subject becomes quieter, listens. Offer alternatives (reasons, methods). If suspect cries, infer guilt.

7.       Alternatives. “alternative question” two versions of events, one more socially acceptable. Whichever the suspect choses, guilt is admitted. However there is always a third to option- to maintain that they did not commit the crime

8.       Bring Suspect Into Conversation. Lead suspect to reveal admission in front of witnesses, develop info which establishes its validity.

9.       Confession. Document the admission, recorded.

This method of interrogation however seems greatly flawed. This is because the more stress a suspect experiences, the less likely he is to think “critically and independently” and so they are more susceptible to suggestion. Because this is designed to create stress in a suspect, to encourage them to let down their guard this can leave itself open to false confessions.

Pillowman- Katurian maintained his innocence throughout the start of the play, but during the first act we see a move to more anger and defensiveness and he loses what little control he had over himself. It is possible that the stress created by Tupolski’s switching moods between kindness and anger, accusation and suggestion alongside his fear over his brother and his stories led him to confess. Katurian was backed into a corner by Tupolski, and believing he wouldn’t escape, he admitted to the crime in the hope of saving at least one part of his life- his stories.

It could be argued that both Katurian and in particular Michel were more susceptible to confessing because of their gruesome history. Some have suggested that police need training to recognise those with subtle signs of mental illness or undiagnosed conditions, which makes confessions more likely.

Noted that police often interrupt suspects in early stages of interrogation to stop them asserting their rights. I don’t think Katurian, living in a totalitarian state, would have much in way of rights but Tupolski may still use this tactic to prevent Katurian reaching for any fully defined arguments.

I don’t believe that Tupolski’s actions closely follow these techniques. For one, he does not spell out the crime that the suspect is guilty of, nor does he give out right alternatives or reasons for the crime. However, he does in some ways present the evidence. Tupolski brings in evidence after evidence, which builds up to create one big picture as to why Katurian committed this crime. There is never any questions such as “Where were you at…..” which indicates that, like in that of the Reid Technique, Tupolski is not trying to find out the truth of who committed the crimes but instead is directing the investigation solely around one possible lead. He is assuming guilt and this perhaps why he is unable to see Katurian’s innocence in these particular crimes. 

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