If you are arrested in Pennsylvania, be prepared for a long and intense interrogation process. Police and prosecutors in this state use several techniques to try and extract a confession from suspects. In some cases, these methods can be quite persuasive – even coercive. If you are not aware of the tactics they may use against you, you could end up making a false confession and spending years in prison. Here’s an overview of the three most common interrogation techniques law enforcement uses in Pennsylvania.
The “good cop and bad cop” routine
In this scenario, one interrogator will take on a friendly, compassionate demeanor while the other appears to be more hostile and aggressive. This tactic aims to get the suspect to lower their guard and open up to the “good cop.” Once the suspect has been lulled into a false sense of security, the interrogators will begin asking more pointed questions in an attempt to get information or a confession.
Guilt by association
This tactic involves showing the suspect photos or evidence that implicates them in a crime – even if they are not directly responsible for it. For example, if you are being interrogated for a robbery, the police may show you photos of the stolen items and ask you how you came to be in possession of them. If you are innocent, it can be difficult to prove it when presented with this type of evidence. You should never fall for this trap. Instead, ask for your constitutional right to have a criminal defense attorney present.
The silent treatment
In this method, the interrogator will refuse to speak to the suspect or answer their questions. This tactic makes the suspect feel isolated and alone, causing them to become more compliant during questioning.
A prosecutor or police officer in Pennsylvania is never your friend. So, whenever you are arrested, don’t say or confess to anything before you talk to your lawyer, or at least know what you are getting into. You have rights as a citizen of this nation that law enforcement must uphold at all times.