1.2 Considering questioning techniques
Although DI Bullet’s interview would be considered bad practice according to UK guidelines, police from different jurisdictions may well view the interview as a relatively mild and effective approach, and certainly the techniques used are quite subtle and passive compared with those we often see in fictional investigations. For one thing, DI Bullet did not use actual, or even the threat of physical aggression, both of which are often used by fictional detectives.
Activity 1
Think back to films and drama series you’ve seen and books you’ve read that have featured a fictional officer questioning a suspect that has led to a confession. Note down the techniques you’ve noticed and consider whether:
- you think this method has been used in a real suspect interview (in any jurisdiction)
- there is evidence from research that it is a reliable technique.
Consider which techniques you think are reliable, and remember that you are not being asked to judge what is currently the practice in England and Wales (or in any other particular jurisdiction), but whether the technique has ever been used in any jurisdiction.
You will take a closer look at some possible techniques in the next section.