Page 236 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

Conducting Tough Interviews 237

You should use the suspect’s vulnerability immediately after being detected in a lie to ask
an important question to which you do not know the answer or where evidence is weak.

Example : ‘Bill, I am going to ask you another important question, and in view of what has just
happened I want you to be very careful how you answer. Now what … ?’

You should never, ever, whatever the circumstances call someone a ‘liar’ as it is a deep at-
tack on his character and implies he never tells the truth. It is much better to attack the false or
misleading statement (which is not a deep attack on his character) or specific action by saying
something along the lines: ‘Come on, Bill, you know that is not true.’

Attack the false statement and not the person making it

Dealing with the obdurate liar

There will be some occasions when the liar will take an unshakeable position and has no in-
tention of telling the truth. If this happens, don’t give up but take your time and pull out your
notepad and ask and repeat minutely detailed questions which lead the suspect into barefaced,
foolish, unbelievable explanations, which even he may realize cannot be justified.

Depending on the nature of the case, you can also raise the pavement by saying something
along the following lines.

Example : ‘As you know, we will be relying totally on the truthfulness of your answers for [e.g.
paying this claim]. You know it is a criminal offence to try to obtain money by deception, and
if you are not sure about [the lie], now is the time to clear it up. It is not too late now, but next
week it will be. Shall we clear this up now?’

In extreme cases you may say something along the lines: ‘This is totally unbelievable, Bill. I
would like you to make a written statement about this’ (or agree a note on this). You should take
down a statement or note, with as much detail (most of which will be false) as possible. When
the statement has been completed, you should ask: ‘Are you sure you really want to sign this? Do
you want us to start again?’ If the liar refuses, at worst, you have a damning deceitful statement,
which he will find difficult to defend later on. If he changes his mind, chances are you will
get to the deep truth.

Let the liar know his lies prove his guilt

DEALING WITH ADMITTED LIES

The suspect is brought nearer to the pivotal point every time he has to admit trying to mislead
you, when he has to change a previous explanation or admit he has been less than frank. You
should always press home your advantage by: