Некоторые психологические особенности допроса

While interviewing or interrogating the subject don't do anything hasty, mind some general rules of questioning, e. g.:

– select a place providing you with a psychological advantage and conduct the questioning as soon as possible after the occurrence;

– be a good actor, play the part; find the best way for contact with the subject;

– get down or up to the subject's level;

– don't be in a hurry with the conclusions;

– learn to listen. Never interrupt the subject when he is speaking;

– ask direct questions only after the subject's story when he is ready to give additional information;

– ask one question at a time;

– don't ask questions which require the answers "Yes", "No" or "Perhaps";

– dominate the situation. Don't let the interview or interrogation go out of control. Use small psychological gestures when it is necessary to bring some difficult person under control: tell him to stop smoking or direct him to a chair other that he chooses;

– be ready to use several lines of attack. Change the line often if necessary. Do not show the subject the line you are following;

– ask questions continually. Never pause. A pause will give him time to think. Prepare a checklist of questions beforehand. Do not let him see you are reading questions;

– don't show your prejudices, the subject will react to them;

– don't degrade yourself in act or word;

– retain a pleasant mood; control your temper; don't let your reactions to answers betray your feelings;

– never show anger, hesitation or other emotions, if it is not part of a plan;

– be serious where seriousness is proper;

– do not show pity for the victim or anger at the accused;

– avoid giving the subject the impression that you want his conviction at all costs. What you really want is the truth; let him understand this;

– do not threaten or intimidate him;

– do not promise to do or to give something which you cannot do or give;

– never disclose the existence of an informant;

– try to give the impression that you know everything about him;

– if the subject is nervous, ask the reason for his nervousness;

– if he is a family man, appeal to his honour, and mention the disgrace to his family;

– demand the truth. Tell him that his apprehension will prevent him from committing another crime;

– speak of persons who are in similar circumstances. If he wishes to speak, listen patiently and agree with him;

– adapt your speech to the subject's feelings - in case he shies away from words such as "assault" and "steal", let it be "hit" and "took";

– ensure privacy. Eliminate all interruptions.