1. Chapter 2 Interrogation and Forensic Reporting
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2. Introduction—Objectives
Identify important events in the history of law enforcement.
Explain J. Edgar Hoover’s contributions to the formation of the FBI.
Evaluate the importance of a code of ethics to professional organizations.
Compare and contrast an interview and an interrogation.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

3. Introduction—Objectives
Describe the cognitive approach for interviewing.
Discuss special considerations for interviewing children.
Differentiate between the fi ve common models of interrogation.
Explain the importance of objectivity in report writing.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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4. Introduction—Vocabulary
ethics - a set of rules that define appropriate behavior in a situation
interrogation - official questioning of a suspect or witness by law enforcement
interview - a question and answer session that does not accuse but is instead intended to gather information concerning a case and/or a suspect
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

5. Introduction—Vocabulary
interviewer - a trained individual who questions witnesses or suspects and is able to interpret cues in verbal and physical behavior
objectivity - judgment that is not influenced by personal feelings or bias, focused on fact
suspect - an individual under investigation for his or her alleged involvement in a crime
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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6. The Last Drive
October 24, 1994
Susan Smith claims she was carjacked with her children still inside the car
Parts of her testimony don’t make sense
Local sheriff works with FBI to develop questions and strategies to get Smith to confess
Smith was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison 6
Forensic Science II: Title, Chapter #
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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7. Historical Development (Obj 2.1, 2.2)
England
1115 — The Laws of Henry I outlined the legal customs during that reign
1748 — the first magistrate appointed to prosecute criminals
1829 — Peel introduced the Metropolitan Police Act, creating the first modern police force
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

8. Historical Development (Obj 2.1, 2.2)
The United States
1790 — NY City has a fully operational daytime paid police force
U.S. Department of Justice
Attorney General position created by the U.S. constitution
1908 — the DOJ organizes a group of 34 special agents and called the Bureau of Investigation
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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9. Historical Development (Obj 2.1, 2.2)
The United States (cont.)
Edgar J. Hoover
Established new professional standards for employment and promotion in the Bureau
1924 — created central storage for fingerprints
1932 — created a crime lab
1935 — name changed to the FBI
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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10. Ethics (Obj 2.3)
Ethics is a set of guidelines— written and unwritten—that explain appropriate conduct for a particular situation or profession.
A written code of ethics describes a process for enforcing appropriate conduct by a profession’s members and usually establishes a system for the investigation and resolution of alleged unethical conduct.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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11. Ethics (Obj 2.3) The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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12. Bias (Obj 2.3) Criminal investigations must try to avoid bias
Minimize preconceived notions about any aspect of the case - such as victim or suspect
Bias can affect the evaluation
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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13. Miranda Warning You have the right to remain silent
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present with you while you are being questioned.
If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish.
You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statement
WAIVER: Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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14. Interviewing Techniques (Obj 2.4, 2.5, 2.6)
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

15. Interviewing Techniques (Obj 2.4, 2.5, 2.6)
Interviewing Children
Make the child feel as safe and comfortable as possible
Techniques vary depending upon age and the nature of the crime
Questions are prepared in advance
The setting is in a private location
The interview is usually videotaped
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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16. Interviewing Techniques (Obj 2.4, 2.5, 2.6)
Children in the Courtroom
Children are naturally very truthful
Make sure the child understand the responsibilities of being a witness
The judge must consider the emotional impact on the child
Should the child face the alleged perpetrator?
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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17. Interrogation—Preparing
Review all documentation
Witness statement
Police reports
Physical evidence collected
Laboratory reports
Follow established guidelines
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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18. Interrogation—Physical Setting
Privacy
Soundproof room
Minimal furniture
Speaker system
Mirror/Glass for observation
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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19. Interrogation—Organizing
Interviewer
Establishes control
Explains the suspect’s 5th & 6th amendment rights
Shows evidence to support the case
Body language is very deliberate
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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20. Interrogation—Models
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

21. Signs of Deception A combination of behaviors Eye and mouth movements
Not looking directly into the interviewer’s eyes
Arms crossed
Cover the mouth
Shifting position abruptly
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
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22. Reporting Information
Be accurate
Be truthful
Be objective
Be comprehensive
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

23. Chapter Summary
As cities grew, the focus of policing shifted from peace-keeping to crime prevention.
The U.S. Department of Justice initially relied on outside organizations to perform investigations.
J. Edgar Hoover,director of the Bureau of Investigation,
set standards for employment and promotion,
consolidated the fingerprint databases, and
created a crime lab to help federal, state, and local agencies process and analyze evidence.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

24. Chapter Summary
A code of ethics is a set of guidelines for appropriate behavior as well as a system to enforce professional conduct.
During an interview, an investigator asks questions designed to gather information.
During an interrogation, the investigator expects to gather incriminating statements or a confession.
The most common interview technique is the cognitive approach, which enhances recollection of information.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

25. Chapter Summary
Special considerations are always given when interviewing children, but the ultimate goal is to obtain the truth.
The five common models of interrogation are suspect decision-making, cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytical, emotional, and interaction process.
Accurate, truthful, and objective reporting is essential to maintaining professionalism standards.
Objectivity is a focus on facts without influence from opinion or bias.
Forensic Science II: Interrogation and Forensic Reporting, Chapter 2
© 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved