Chapter 2 Interrogation and Forensic Reporting © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 2

Interrogation and Forensic Reporting

© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

2 Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2


Introduction—Objectives

1. Identify important events in the history of law enforcement.

2. Explain J. Edgar Hoover’s contributions to the formation of the FBI.

3. Evaluate the importance of a code of ethics to professional organizations.

4. Compare and contrast an interview and an interrogation.



Introduction—Objectives

5. Describe the cognitive approach for interviewing.

6. Discuss special considerations for interviewing children.

7. Differentiate between the fi ve common models of interrogation.

8. Explain the importance of objectivity in report writing.



Introduction—Vocabulary

o ethics - a set of rules that define appropriate behavior in a situation

o interrogation - official questioning of a suspect or witness by law enforcement

o interview - a question and answer session that does not accuse but is instead intended to gather information concerning a case and/or a suspect



Introduction—Vocabulary

o interviewer - a trained individual who questions witnesses or suspects and is able to interpret cues in verbal and physical behavior

o objectivity - judgment that is not influenced by personal feelings or bias, focused on fact

o suspect - an individual under investigation for his or her alleged involvement in a crime


© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights ReservedForensic Science II: Title, Chapter #6

The Last Drive

o October 24, 1994o Susan Smith claims she was carjacked with

her children still inside the caro Parts of her testimony don’t make senseo Local sheriff works with FBI to develop

questions and strategies to get Smith to confess

o Smith was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison



Historical Development (Obj 2.1, 2.2)

o England• 1115 — The Laws of Henry I outlined the legal

customs during that reign• 1748 — the first magistrate appointed to

prosecute criminals• 1829 — Peel introduced the Metropolitan Police

Act, creating the first modern police force




o The United States• 1790 — NY City has a fully operational daytime

paid police force• U.S. Department of Justice

• Attorney General position created by the U.S. constitution

• 1908 — the DOJ organizes a group of 34 special agents and called the Bureau of Investigation




o The United States (cont.)

• Edgar J. Hoover• Established new professional standards for employment

and promotion in the Bureau• 1924 — created central storage for fingerprints• 1932 — created a crime lab• 1935 — name changed to the FBI



Ethics (Obj 2.3)

o Ethics is a set of guidelines— written and unwritten—that explain appropriate conduct for a particular situation or profession.

o A written code of ethics describes a process for enforcing appropriate conduct by a profession’s members and usually establishes a system for the investigation and resolution of alleged unethical conduct.



Ethics (Obj 2.3)

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)



Bias (Obj 2.3)

o Criminal investigations must try to avoid biaso Minimize preconceived notions about any

aspect of the case - such as victim or suspect

o Bias can affect the evaluation



Miranda Warning

1. You have the right to remain silent2. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court

of law.3. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present

with you while you are being questioned.4. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to

represent you before any questioning if you wish.5. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not

answer any questions or make any statement

WAIVER: Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?



Interviewing Techniques (Obj 2.4, 2.5, 2.6)




Interviewing Childreno Make the child feel as safe and comfortable as

possibleo Techniques vary depending upon age and the nature

of the crimeo Questions are prepared in advanceo The setting is in a private locationo The interview is usually videotaped




Children in the Courtroomo Children are naturally very truthfulo Make sure the child understand the

responsibilities of being a witnesso The judge must consider the emotional

impact on the childo Should the child face the alleged

perpetrator?



Interrogation—Preparing

o Review all documentation• Witness statement• Police reports• Physical evidence collected• Laboratory reports

o Follow established guidelines



Interrogation—Physical Setting

o Privacyo Soundproof roomo Minimal furnitureo Speaker systemo Mirror/Glass for observation



Interrogation—Organizing

o Interviewer • Establishes control• Explains the suspect’s 5th & 6th amendment

rights• Shows evidence to support the case• Body language is very deliberate



Interrogation—Models



Signs of Deception

o A combination of behaviors• Eye and mouth movements• Not looking directly into the interviewer’s eyes• Arms crossed• Cover the mouth• Shifting position abruptly



Reporting Information

o Be accurateo Be truthfulo Be objectiveo Be comprehensive



Chapter Summary

o As cities grew, the focus of policing shifted from peace-keeping to crime prevention.

o The U.S. Department of Justice initially relied on outside organizations to perform investigations.

o J. Edgar Hoover,director of the Bureau of Investigation,

• set standards for employment and promotion, • consolidated the fingerprint databases, and • created a crime lab to help federal, state, and local

agencies process and analyze evidence.



Chapter Summary

o A code of ethics is a set of guidelines for appropriate behavior as well as a system to enforce professional conduct.

o During an interview, an investigator asks questions designed to gather information.

o During an interrogation, the investigator expects to gather incriminating statements or a confession.

o The most common interview technique is the cognitive approach, which enhances recollection of information.



Chapter Summary

o Special considerations are always given when interviewing children, but the ultimate goal is to obtain the truth.

o The five common models of interrogation are suspect decision-making, cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytical, emotional, and interaction process.

o Accurate, truthful, and objective reporting is essential to maintaining professionalism standards.

o Objectivity is a focus on facts without influence from opinion or bias.

Chapter 2 Interrogation and Forensic Reporting © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

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Transcript of Chapter 2 Interrogation and Forensic Reporting © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.