1. Inbau et al. The Reid ‘Nine steps’ of interrogation in brief. Revision....

2. 1. Direct Confrontation- the suspect is told directly that they are thought to have committed the offence.

3. 2. The suspect is offered the chance to shift the blame away from themselves by being offered some suggestions or justifications for what happened. The interrogator should show sympathy and understanding for their plight. This is designed to make it easier to admit guilt.

4. 3. The suspect should never be allowed to deny guilt. Interrupt any denial to prevent the suspect getting the psychological advantage.

5. 4. At this point the suspect will often try and give reasons why they could not have committed the crime. Try to use this move towards a confession by ignoring them. Eventually the suspect will give up trying.

6. 5. Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive by staying close, keeping good eye contact and using first names.

7. 6. The suspect will eventually become quieter and listen. At this point move towards offering alternatives. If the suspect cries, infer guilt.

8. 7. Pose the ‘alternative question’ giving two choices of what the suspect could do, one more socially acceptable than the other (it gives then reason why they could have done it) but whichever they choose they are admitting their guilt.

9. 8. Get the suspect to admit guilt in front of witnesses.

10. 9. Document their admission and get them to sign a confession to avoid them retracting it later.

11. Inbau justifies the use of psychological techniques in this way because he says that the they are being used on people presupposed to be guilty through their preliminary interview. One of the main criticisms is that when used with young people, or the mentally impaired is it highly likely to obtain a false confession. In the UK the use of psychological techniques or deception and the use of false evidence is prohibited by police conducting interviews with criminals.