Page 262 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

Conducting Tough Interviews 263

Rapid switches from one topic to another are particularly relevant in Phases B and C to
increase the suspect’s anxiety.

The order in which you will deal with topics should also be carefully planned. You may
leave the strongest until last, thus building up increasing anxiety throughout the interview,
or hit him hard with it from the start. Your approach will be dictated by the circumstances,
with the ultimate objective of bringing the suspect to the pivotal point on all topics.

SURPRISE QUESTIONS

Think of unusual questions that the suspect is unlikely to have anticipated and pop them
in from time to time. For example, the suspect had given a brilliantly detailed description
of a man he had seen supposedly running off with a bag of money and had an outstanding
‘memory’2 of the event.

LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW

Suspect: ‘As I said, I was standing looking out of the window and saw this man …’
Question: ‘What was the window frame like, was it plastic or metal?’
Suspect: ‘I don’t know … I can’t remember.’
Question: ‘Was the window a single pane or multiple?’
Suspect: ‘I haven’t the foggiest idea.’
Question: ‘Was there anything on the window ledge, a pot, flower or anything?’
Suspect: ‘I don’t know.’
Statement: ‘Given that your memory is so good in other areas, how come you don’t’
remember any of this?’
Suspect: [Silence]
Statement: ‘It didn’t happen that way, did it?’
Suspect: [Long pause] ‘I thought it had.’

He later went on to admit that his story was a sham and that he had taken the money.

Jump from topic to topic.
Ask surprise questions

EXPLAIN THE DECEPTION THEORY AND RESOLUTION PLAN

Explain the mechanics of the fraud exactly as you believe it happened, pointing out what evi-
dence is available to prove the case. Confront the suspect with visual stimuli relating to the key
points and keep incriminating evidence in his personal space. Explain how the investigation
will be conducted – that there is limitless time and resources to do so and that cooperation will
be forthcoming from third parties and witnesses. The guilty suspect is unlikely to interrupt
and will listen closely to what you have to say. He is extremely unlikely to make committed
FPSPT denials.

2 It was actually far too good, suggesting rehearsal