Would You Torture A Suspect To Get Information?

Getting Information From A Suspect:

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Water boarding is a form of torture in which a suspect is exposed to in order to reveal information about a certain issue. It involves pouring water on a piece of cloth that is used to cover the face and the breathing passages of an individual (Mukasey, 2011). This act causes the suspect to experience drowning. Incase water is poured uninterruptedly it may lead to death as a result of asphyxia. It may cause a lot of pain to individuals, damage to lungs, and damage to the brain as a result of shortage of oxygen among other injuries as a result of resistance. Experts say that torture and abuse in interrogations is not a very effective way of getting truthful information. US military and other federal bodies have given out useful information to proof that application of psychological emotional and psychological pressure may force a victim to say anything just to end the painful experience. The main purpose of interrogation is to get credible information concerning the subject matter and the information should be precise.

Torture and abuse are not effective ways of getting information from a person as abuse and torture compromises memory and mood and both of them are vital in eliciting correct information (Mukasey, 2011). CIA has shown that abusive methods of obtaining information from a suspect are less effective and may result to different information from the one required. It is against human rights to torture anyone. Prisoners and detainees should be treated in a good manner and this constitutes the American rules and values. I would therefore not use any method which is against human rights to interrogate the person. Below are some of the methods I would use to get information from the suspect.

The first method which I would use is the Reid technique. This technique was developed in 1940s (Redlich, 2007). Being an officer I would play a “good cop.” I would place the suspect in a dingy room to interrogate him. I would also introduce another “bad cop” who would help me get information from the suspect. Under this concept I would use three concepts. The first one is isolation. I would isolate the culprit from the family members and friends to make him feel alone. The best room I would put that person is one without windows so that I may interrogate him properly and he would reveal the information I require.

The second technique under this method is maximization (Redlich, 2007). I would start by letting the suspect know that he is guilty and that he knows the where about of Osama Bin Laden. I would then make him know the evils that bin laden did and make him believe that I know all about him. In case the victim says that he is innocent the bad cop would refute the innocence of the victim. In fact, he would tell the victim that he is guilty. The cop would tell him that he is wasting everyone’s time by playing innocent.

Finally there would be minimization (Redlich, 2007). I, being the good cop would go to the victim and let him know that I understand the reason as to why he played innocent and anyone can understand his reason. I would let the victim know that a lesser charge or a chance to go home would be there in case he says the truth. If he does not tell the truth, then he would remain in custody forever. That way the victim would reveal the truth willingly as opposed to water boarding.

Another technique I would use is informal questioning (Schafer, & Navarro, 2016). I would always ask questions to the victim to see whether he gives the right information. In case he gives contradicting information then I would examine him from there.

Another final technique that I would use is lying (Schafer, & Navarro, 2016). Most people believe that police officers do not tell lies. I would scare him that I even have evidence about it and finally make him give me information. The above methods do not violate human rights and would be very effective in giving information.

References

Mukasey, M. (2011). The waterboarding trail to bin Laden. The Wall Street Journal, 6.

Redlich, A. D. (2007). Military versus police interrogations: Similarities and differences. Peace and conflict: journal of peace psychology, 13(4), 423-428.

Schafer, J. R., & Navarro, J. (2016). Advanced interviewing techniques: Proven strategies for law enforcement, military, and security personnel. Charles C Thomas Publisher.