The Science of Confession: A Review of Theoretical Perspectives on Police Interrogations

• In Event: POLWG Panel 7. Police and Criminal Justice Evidence Gathering: Interview and Interrogation techniques

Abstract

Playing a crucial role in police investigations, the interrogation of suspected sexual offenders has been extensively studied empirically by the scientific community to better understand the factors influencing confessions. The conceptualization of these empirical studies is based on a broad theoretical literature identifying various concepts and variables that affect the outcome of police interrogations. Given the numerous theoretical contributions, which adopt distinct perspectives and emphasize different variables and/or concepts, it is essential to examine the theoretical frameworks that provide explanations as to the factors influencing confession of suspected sexual offenders during police interrogations. The general objective of this study is to review theories and theoretical models that examine the influence of various concepts and variables on confessions and/or the disclosure of information by suspects during police interrogations. More specifically, we will first examine the key concepts essential to a theoretical understanding of police interrogations. We will then present theoretical perspectives that identify factors influencing confessions and/or the disclosure of information during interrogations. This literature review allows us to identify numerous theoretical propositions that have contributed to our understanding of key factors in the interrogation process, which may facilitate confessions or the disclosure of information. In this presentation, we will discuss decision-making processes, investigator-suspect interactions, interrogation methods leveraging suggestibility, and contextual/environmental factors of the interrogation in light of current theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, we will explore the factors influencing interrogation outcomes according to various theoretical perspectives (e.g., guilt, rapport, cognitions, stress, etc.). The present review of theoretical knowledge regarding confession and information disclosure during police interrogations sets the stage for the development of a comprehensive framework introducing the key components of the interrogation process.

Authors

• Gabrielle Belair, University of Montreal

• Francis Fortin, University of Montreal

• Nadine Deslauriers-Varin, Laval University