The Science of Confessions: Risks, Reforms & the Future of Interrogation with Hayley Cleary, PhD and Christian Meissner, PhD

Leading scholars in the fields of criminology and psychology have published the latest scientific review paper titled Police-Induced Confessions 2.0; Risk Factors and Recommendations.  We were lucky to be joined by two of the authors on this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast.

Host Dave Thompson is joined by two guests, Dr. Hayley Cleary, and Dr. Chris Meissner as they delve into the complexities of interview techniques, false confessions, and the importance of collaboration between academic research and practical law enforcement. They discuss their personal journeys into the field, the evolution of interrogation methods, and the critical role of humility and communication in effective interviewing. The conversation highlights the weight of confessions in investigations and the need for ongoing research and training to improve practices in the field. This conversation delves into the psychology of interrogation, emphasizing the importance of an open-minded investigative approach. The speakers discuss how biases can affect the interrogation process, the significance of understanding risk factors, and the need for effective interviewing techniques. They highlight the shift towards science-based interviewing practices and provide recommendations for improving the reliability of information gathered during interrogations.

Read the Scientific Review Paper 2.0:  APA PsycNet FullTextHTML page

Truths:

•  Research should inform practical applications in interrogation.
• Confessions can heavily influence the perception of evidence.
• Ongoing training is necessary to adapt to new findings.
• Understanding human communication enhances interrogation techniques.
• The evolution of interrogation practices is ongoing.
• Laboratory research provides foundational insights for fieldwork.
• Curiosity drives both scientific and investigative inquiry.
• Building rapport is key to effective interviewing.
• The goal of an interview should be cooperation, not just a confession.
• Confessions can contaminate our opinion and affect judgments.
• Understanding risk factors is crucial for accurate information gathering.
• We need to reduce the use of accusatorial practices in interviews.
• Evidence-based suspicion can help protect innocent individuals.
• Collaboration between researchers and practitioners is essential for innovation.