The effects of evidence on the outcome of interviews with criminal suspects

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version
Author(s)
Moston, Stephen
Engelberg, Associate Professor Terry
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)

Dilip K Das

Date
2011
Size

131570 bytes

File type(s)

application/pdf

Location
License
Abstract

Research suggests just over half of all suspects interviewed inside a police station will either confess or make damaging admissions. Surprisingly, police interviewing tactics appear to have only a limited effect on the decision making of suspects. Instead, the strongest predictor of a confession is the strength of evidence against the accused. This paper examines the links between strength of evidence and the outcome of interviews. Data is drawn from previously published studies of police interviewing practices in the USA, UK, and Australia. This review shows how when evidence is strong prior to questioning, such as a suspect having being found in possession of stolen goods, then confessions are the most likely outcome. However, some apparently strong forms of evidence, such as testimony from police officers, can be used inappropriately making confessions less likely. The findings are discussed in relation to training in investigative interviewing skills and investigative practices. The paper also identifies a need for research into the conditions which give rise to true confessions, as opposed to a contemporary focus on the conditions that can result in false confessions.

Journal Title

Police Practice and Research

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

12

Issue

6

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2011 Taylor & Francis. This is an electronic version of an article published in Police Practice and Research, Vol. 12(6), 2011, pp. 518-526. Police Practice and Research is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com with the open URL of your article.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified

Criminology

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections