Craigs list Killer Interview: Reid Technique - created from Mind Map

Page 1

The Positive Confrontation

Handlling the Suspects Passive Moods

Theme Development

Presenting an Alternative Question

Handling Denials

The suspect continuously for about 18 minutes says he does not recall going to or being at a bar or hotel and constantly says, "I don't really know" or "I don't remember," and soon enough, the investigator makes a a strict and nonwavering statement saying, "You were at a bar and a hotel.". (19:53). All the suspect can say back is "Yesterday?" and his voice becomes higher pitched and panicked.

The suspect is being asked about a specific time he was photographed at the scene of a homicide and why that might've been the case. The suspect says he does not recall being at any hotels at that time and can not recall the date etc. The investigator then proceeds to say passively "I don't even know what day of the week it is now" (15:52). The investigator continues to intensify the theme, which at this point is having the suspect admit where he was at that time while also remaining empathetic and relatable to get the suspect to open up more.

The investigator begins to talk more in-depth about the case explaining that there is a homicide and it is not good. He then says in an empathetic tone, "When things happen....we don't mean for them to happen, they may happen accidentally, and kids do stupid things." The investigator then continues and says, "It only makes things worse if you're lying about it." (25:18) Therefore giving a moral justification and potentially blaming the homicide on something else. This can also fit into the Handling the Suspects Passive Moods category as he urges the suspect to tell the truth.

After the suspect gives very little detail about recalling whether or not he was at the Marriott Hotel the interrogator presents two alternative questions by saying "What would cause you to walk through the lobby of the Marriott? Just to see what's happening over there, or see what going on at the bar?"(26:57) This statement will hopefully allow the suspect to take the alternative question as more morally just avenue to take.

The interrogator has now moved on from talking about the Marriot Hotel and is asking the suspect if he has ever been to or get a room in Rhode Island, and the suspect says, "I don't think so". The suspect then becomes frustrated about the repetitive questioning, and the investigator calmly says the question again and acknowledges his frustration, and asks the question once again. The suspect says, "Maybe, I don't know."(36:22). Typically someone of innocence would tell the truth and nothing but it upon repetitive questioning without changing their answer, yet slowly over time, we see the suspects' answers become more submissive and passive and never fully deny the accusation.