Module 1 Assignment 2

Interrogation

Why can't forensic psychologists participate in interrogations?

The answer to this question has to do with professional ethics. In the United States, the only persons who can call themselves psychologists are persons who obtain a state license to do so. The persons licensed by the states as psychologists must adhere to professional standards set by the APA. Psychologists who fail to adhere to these standards may find themselves subject to civil liability or disciplinary action by states.

According to the APA code of ethics, psychologists cannot participate in events in which they have not fully disclosed their roles and intents. Imagine a scenario in which a suspect is brought in for an interview and told, "I intend to interrogate you because I believe you are probably guilty of a crime. I intend to present you with facts that support this conclusion until you confirm them, and if you are guilty, I want you to say so. It's not in your best interest to tell me anything, because if you do, I will have the evidence I need to convict you of the crime. It would be in your best interest not to talk to me and to talk to an attorney instead. Knowing that your attorney will almost certainly tell you not to talk to me, do you wish to proceed with the interrogation?" This statement is an example of how a psychologist would have to conduct an interrogation because the psychologist has a responsibility to make others fully aware of the potential consequences of a professional relationship.

Specifically, the role of the forensic psychology professional during an interrogation is most often that of a consultant as he or she suggests both effective and ethical means by which to elicit the confession. The forensic psychologist can provide for the interrogator a better understanding of things such as nonverbal cues and the meaning or influence of common cultural behavior, as well as shed light on the influence that the interrogator's own behavior is having on the interrogation process. Additionally, the forensic psychologist is there to ensure that the interrogator is using means to achieve a confession without crossing any ethical boundaries, such as the use of force, torture, or coercion.