Police Detectives Often Begin an Interrogation with a Belief That

question 64

Multiple Choice

Police detectives often begin an interrogation with a belief that the suspect is guilty. This presumption of guilt can apparently influence the way a detective conducts the questioning. The danger here is that, under these conditions, the detectives will seek out information that verifies that belief and overlook information that does not fit. Suspects, in turn, act more defensively and are more likely to look guilty. This process is referred to as

• A)interrogation proper.
• B)behavioral confirmation.
• C)a preinterrogation "softening up" of the suspect.
• D)the interrogator's arsenal.

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Definitions:

Professional Profilers

Experts who analyze evidence from crime scenes and behavioral patterns to create profiles of criminals.

Specific Observations

The detailed and focused recording or noting of phenomena, often used in scientific and observational study methodologies.

MMPI-2

A standardized psychometric test of adult personality and psychopathology used to assess and diagnose mental disorders.

Schizophrenia

A chronic mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and impaired cognitive function.