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A suspect asks, ­What is this all about?"

The suspect in this instance is looking to establish his exposure. Unlike the previous example, here the suspect is looking for information to identify the boundaries of the investigation. What do they know? This is the real question being asked by a suspect because he has in all likelihood been involved in multiple crimes. Consider how many incidents the average criminal might have been involved in and it is no wonder he wants information from his interrogator.There are several possible responses to this question depending on the goal of the investigation.

1)    I wanted to talk with you about (insert incident).This response immediately focuses the questioning on a single specific incident. The suspect can now assume what the interrogator may know or suspect. Depending on the interrogator's response, the suspect may also be able to determine how he was discovered. There is a greater likelihood of a suspect making denials using this approach because it specifically identifies the suspect's exposure and may be viewed by him as an indirect accusation to which he must respond.

2)    I: Did anyone tell you why I wanted to talk with you?

S: No.

I: All right, well, let me get to that, right after I confirm some information.

I: You are still living at. This is a preemptive strike by the interrogator. By asking the question before the wary suspect can do so, the interrogator takes control of the meeting and immediately moves in a favorable direction; creating curiosity. This curiosity buys the interrogator time before being pulled into the encounter. Since an exchange of information has been promised, the suspect is also more likely to give his initial cooperation. The interrogator can now establish a behavioral norm, build rapport and control the pace of the meeting having extended the implied promise of future information. Anticipating the suspect's likely question allows the interrogator to handle it in a way he prefers, rather than one dictated by the suspect.

3)  That is what I was just going to tell you. The first thing I wanted to do is to tell you a little about what I do.



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