The Reid Technique

Nine Steps of Interrogation

STEP 1 The Positive Confrontation

By accusing the suspect at the outset, the interrogator immediately establishes an atmosphere of confidence, and is also able to observe and evaluate the suspect’s reaction to being accused. As part of the same step, the interrogator neutralizes the suspect’s reaction by moving from a dominating and accusatory position to one of understanding.

STEP 2 Theme Development

Obtaining an admission of guilt from the suspect is easier if the suspect is given the opportunity to couple that admission with a reason or excuse that helps to preserve some of his or her self-respect. Most suspects have either minimized their actions (“The company has plenty of money... this small amount will never be missed.”) or justified them (“My family really needs this.”). For this reason, a successful interrogator develops “themes” or reasons that allow the suspect to salvage self-respect while confessing.

STEP 3 Handling Denials

Before a suspect can become attentive to theme development and confess guilt, they must be stopped from continuing to deny involvement. Recognition and forestalling of denial is covered in this step, as is handling of situations where denials cannot be stopped.

STEP 4 Overcoming Objections

There's a difference between denials and objections (excuses) and it's important to recognize and overcome objections. 

STEP 5 Procuring and Retaining the Suspect’s Attention

Any suspect who is going to confess moves from using offensive tactics (denials and objections) to a defensive mode where they become quiet and begin to listen. It is at this point where physical closeness and verbal techniques used by the interviewer are methods for acquiring and maintaining a suspect’s attention.

STEP 6 Handling the Suspect’s Passive Mood

Recognizing that the suspect has “given up” and is ready to confess is critical. At this point focus the general theme onto one or two essential elements that will stimulate the confession.

STEP 7 Presenting an Alternative Question

To obtain the first admission of guilt from the suspect, a question with only two possible answers (either of which is incriminating) is asked. 

STEP 8 Detailing the Offense

Corroboration of an admission of guilt is obtained through details of the offense supplied by the suspect. Encourage revelation of such details along with methods of correcting discrepancies in the suspect’s story.

STEP 9 Elements of Oral and Written Statements

Proper handling of the suspect’s oral statements and the reductions of such statements to a written, typed or recorded confession is imperative.