The Bluff Tactic

Countless times, interrogators, faced with the task of minting evidence from suspects, employ deceptive tactics. One of these methods is the bluff technique whereby the interrogators pretend that they have evidence that they need the accused to confirm (Perillo & Kassin, 2011). The tactic is widely practiced by interrogators for its effectiveness in getting much needed evidence for use in court cases. However, the popularity of such interrogation techniques does not make it an ideal method of evidence gathering. In fact, the bluff technique is highly responsible for the increase in false confessions among accused suspects.

The use of the bluff technique is highly regarded for its importance in validating claims and gathering evidence. However, full disclosure is not made to the accused to the effect that the claims being made and tested could be used to implicate the suspect (Lassiter & Meissner, 2010). Studies have shown a direct correlation between the use of the technique and the incidence of false confessions. In turn, this development has led to the overturning of several convictions cases that were previously built around the false evidence. The rationale for the correlation is based on the fact that suspects are bound to lie to exonerate themselves from blame (Perillo & Kassin, 2010). In most cases, therefore, suspects have no option but to lie out of a belief that doing so gives the interrogators what they want to hear.

The process of interrogation is an important aspect in the prosecution and determination of cases. That notwithstanding, the process must be conducted in a clear and concise manner that is consistent with the provisions of the law. It is the responsibility of interrogators to collect credible evidence without favor of any court outcome (Kassin, 2012). The bluff tactic, although popular, does not attain these high levels of requirements. Consequently, the use of the bluff tactic is associated with lies and false confessions in the process of collecting evidence.

 

References

Perillo, J. T., & Kassin, S. M. (2011). Inside interrogation: The lie, the bluff, and false confessions. Law and Human Behavior, 35(4), 327-337.

Kassin, S. M. (2012). Why confessions trump innocence. American Psychologist, 67(6), 431.

Lassiter, G., & Meissner, C. A. (2010). Police interrogations and false confessions: Current research, practice, and policy recommendations. American Psychological Association.

 

 
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