Unspoken Rules in Police Interviews: Practices Not Allowed and Why

In the throes of a police interview, especially during an interrogation, certain practices are strictly prohibited. It is essential to understand these unspoken rules and their legal underpinnings to navigate such situations effectively.

The Ultimate No-Nos: Practices Not Allowed by Police Interviewers/Interrogators

While police officers are trained to extract information, they are not authorized to use coercive or unlawful practices. Here’s an overview of the key practices that are not permitted:

Physical Assault: Taboo Territory

The most apparent and fundamental rule is that police officers cannot physically assault or torture a suspect. This includes any form of verbal intimidation, as well. Although rare, a case from a detective's perspective illustrates this point:

"One instance, I stormed into the interrogation room, shouted at the suspect to stand up, and proceeded to beat the crap out of him. Another detective swiftly entered and pulled me back, saying, 'What the hell is wrong with you, you dumb shit... That's the new District Attorney you're beating up! I have a parole hearing next month.'

Use of Physical Force or Torture: Forbidden

Police officers are strictly prohibited from using physical force to extract confessions or information. This includes:

Threatening or applying physical violence Using thumb screws or the rack Eliciting confessions through electrical torture Beating with knotted ropes or thorns Playing continuous loud music, such as Mariah Carey's Christmas songs or the Barney theme

These methods are not only illegal but also inhumane.

NoOverreach: Beyond the Legal Limits

While the list above captures the more egregious practices, there are other subtle forms of misconduct that are also unacceptable:

Excessive consumption of food during an interrogation, like eating red beans and rice in excess Subjecting suspects to prolonged exposure to music or other stimuli

The Reality of Police Interrogations: Beyond the Movies

Police interrogation procedures in real life are vastly different from what is often shown in movies and TV shows. True investigations involve:

Sitting and Asking Questions

Interrogations typically start with a relaxed environment where officers sit down and ask questions. The goal is to dissect inconsistencies and build a case.

When comparing answers, officers look for:

Truthfulness, as some may recall more accurately Inconsistencies in stories, which may reveal lies Emotional cues, as guilt can surface during the questioning

Human Nature and Psychological Tactics

Understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior can be crucial:

People often feel guilt, which can lead to a confession Multiple suspects may feel the pressure to confess to avoid additional charges or prison time

Differences Between Real Police Interrogations and TV Shows

While movies and TV portray vivid and often dramatic interrogation scenes, real interrogations are generally:

Calm and controlled Patient and persistent Focused on evidence and evidence interpretation

Real-life interrogations involve:

A structured and methodical approach Long periods of silence and reflection Psychological tactics that are subtle and ethical

Conclusion

Police interviews are governed by strict legal boundaries and ethical guidelines. Physical force and coercion are never acceptable methods of obtaining information. Instead, real interrogations rely on patience, evidence, and psychological tactics. Understanding these practices and their legal restrictions is crucial for all involved in the criminal justice system.