Reid Technique of Interviewing
The Reid Technique of Interviewing is a method of interrogation and interview that was developed in 1947 by John E. Reid. This method is “the most widely used approach to question subjects in the world” (http://www.reid.com/r_about.html). According to Reid there are nine steps of the interrogation process that are used, along with training in behavior analysis, to recognize behaviors that may indicate guilt or telling of a lie. The nine steps are:
(1) Direct Positive Confrontation -- Presentation of fact synopsis to suspect; reference to evidence, real or fictional; suspect is told that he is involved in the crime; behavioral observation of suspect; restatement of confrontation, stronger or weaker.
(2) Theme Development -- Transition phases from confrontation; propose reasons that will justify or excuse the commission of the crime; behavioral assessment of suspect to choose proper theme; longest portion of 9 steps.
(3) Stopping Denials -- Both guilty and innocent deny the crime at issue; starts during direct positive confrontation; absence of denials in step two indicates probable guilt; interrogator recognizes and stops denial before it is complete; progress is indicated by cessation or weakening of denials.
(4) Overcoming Objections -- Suspect proposes a reason why he allegedly did not commit the crime; normally offered by only the guilty; indicates progress in the interrogation if given after denials; handled differently than denials by first listening and accepting; proper handling of objections helps overcome the subject’s defenses.
(5) Getting the Suspect’s Attention -- Suspect is on defensive and is tense and confused; the themes will work only is suspect is listening; interrogator reaches peak of sincerity in his speech; physical closeness and use of verbal techniques to command attention; physical gestures of sincerity are used to establish attitude of understanding and concern.
(6) The Suspect Quiets and Listens -- The physical
(1) Direct Positive Confrontation -- Presentation of fact synopsis to suspect; reference to evidence, real or fictional; suspect is told that he is involved in the crime; behavioral observation of suspect; restatement of confrontation, stronger or weaker.
(2) Theme Development -- Transition phases from confrontation; propose reasons that will justify or excuse the commission of the crime; behavioral assessment of suspect to choose proper theme; longest portion of 9 steps.
(3) Stopping Denials -- Both guilty and innocent deny the crime at issue; starts during direct positive confrontation; absence of denials in step two indicates probable guilt; interrogator recognizes and stops denial before it is complete; progress is indicated by cessation or weakening of denials.
(4) Overcoming Objections -- Suspect proposes a reason why he allegedly did not commit the crime; normally offered by only the guilty; indicates progress in the interrogation if given after denials; handled differently than denials by first listening and accepting; proper handling of objections helps overcome the subject’s defenses.
(5) Getting the Suspect’s Attention -- Suspect is on defensive and is tense and confused; the themes will work only is suspect is listening; interrogator reaches peak of sincerity in his speech; physical closeness and use of verbal techniques to command attention; physical gestures of sincerity are used to establish attitude of understanding and concern.
(6) The Suspect Quiets and Listens -- The physical