Tradecraft Primer A Framework for Aspiring Interrogators

Tradecraft Primer: A Framework for Aspiring Interrogators is a timely and relevant reference manual for a new generation of professionals as we enter a new era in our nation’s interrogation programs. A must-read for anyone thinking of entering the interrogation profession, whether in law enforcement, the military, or intelligence, it provides fresh insights from the latest empirical-based studies that will enhance your results and contribute to best practices. It challenges past beliefs and legacy interrogation practices of previous generations by capturing novel approaches that no longer rely on physical and psychological coercion, unethical or questionable ruses, or abusive mistreatment. Importantly, this primer also opens the door to valuable lessons from contemporary experts in human motivation and more effective social influence methodologies and tactics while you learn of the art and science behind rapport-building, effective communication constructs, and the influence of interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics for use inside the interrogation room. In addition, it captures the "interrogation cycle" as a handy reference graphic. By reading this primer, you will learn how to reduce incidences of false confessions, mitigate eyewitness misidentification, and gain simple contemporary insights to outsmart liars and discern truth-tellers from deceivers. As an advocate for a sea change in the way our nation’s interrogation programs are run and managed, this primer encourages a team approach to interrogations and emphasizes active engagement and oversight by supervisors in efforts to corroborate interrogation outcomes. It also asserts the need for the adoption of a common code of ethics shared among all practitioners—an ethical code created in deference to our nation’s Constitution, statutes, international treaties, and the policies of our nation’s leaders. One that encompasses the pledge and built on two underlying principles: Do no harm and respect human rights.

Getting Our Terms StraightThe Need to Seek Common GroundRedefining the Term "Interrogation"Comparing Law Enforcement and Intelligence InterrogationsOther Associative Terms to UnderstandLaw Enforcement Custodial InterrogationsLaw Enforcement Noncustodial InterrogationsElicitationStrategic DebriefingTactical QuestioningConfessionsAdmissionsInterrogation’s Tortuous PastSnapshots from Distant HistoryThe Qin DynastyThe Roman EmpireThe Dark AgesSalem Witch TrialNapoleon Speaks Out!The Wickersham CommissionEvolving Case LawBrown v. Mississippi (1936) and Chambers v. Florida (1940)Rochin v. California (1952)Miranda v. California (1966) Lessons from World War IIThe Cold War EraThe U.S. Experience in the Korean WarOn the Heels of the Vietnam Conflict The U.S. Experience in the Vietnam Conflict Enter the Global War on Terror Renditions Black Sites Enhanced Interrogation Techniques The Evolving Army Field Manual A Major Force for ChangeRights of Persons in CustodyConstitutional Provisions Influencing Custodial InterrogationsFifth AmendmentSixth Amendment Eighth Amendment Fourteenth Amendment International Treaties Opposing TortureUniversal Declaration of Human RightsGeneva Conventions and Common Article 3UN Convention against Torture International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)Istanbul Protocol U.S. Laws, Statutes, and Executive Orders against TortureTorture Victims Protection Act (TVPA)War Crime Act (WCA) – 18 USC §2441 Federal Torture Statute – 18 USC §2340-2340BDetainee Treatment Act (DTA)Military Commissions Act (MCA)Executive Order 13491Challenges Yet AheadOn Being HumanUnderstanding MemoryAssociated Factors Influencing Outcomes Gisting Reality Mapping StressPassage of TimeSuggestibility and Memory Distortion Situational Dynamics of Capture Physical and Emotional Isolation Fear Guilt, Shame, and Humiliation Physiological and Cognitive Factors Perceptions Physical Setting Biases Infliction of Pain and Threats of Bodily Injury Interpersonal and Intrapersonal DynamicsThe Science of Rapport Choose Your Words, Demeanor, and Tenor Wisely Six Key Elements of Influencing Interpersonal Dynamics Five Core Needs Influencing Interpersonal Dynamics Put These Concepts into ActionThe Interrogation CycleThe Law Enforcement Interrogation Cycle Collect Relevant Background InformationFrame Initial QuestionsNoncustodial Interview and AssessmentDecision to Release or Detain in Custody, Mirandize, and IsolateDevelop Your Interrogation StrategySeek the Miranda WaiverThe Custodial InterrogationCorroborate OutcomesDecision to Refer to a Prosecutor, Release or Detain, and Repeat CycleThe Intelligence Interrogation CycleIdentify Threats and Priority Intelligence Gaps Screen Detainees Frame Initial QuestionsPerform Pre-Interrogation Interview Craft and Execute Your Interrogation Strategy Corroborate Responses About ConfessionsThree Factors Influencing ConfessionsStrength of Evidence Time CommitmentNumber of TacticsOther Factors Influencing ConfessionsWrongful ConvictionsInterrogation-Induced False ConfessionsEyewitness Misidentification Jailhouse InformantsFacing Up to the ProblemMinimizing False Confessions Eyewitness Reforms Unmasking DeceptionOutsmarting LiarsIntegrity Is Not a Stable TraitPeople Make Poor Lie DetectorsThe Big Four of Nonverbal CuesContent AnalysisStatement Analysis Linguistic MarkersFacial ExpressionsUncovering Deception in a Co-Conspiratorial ContextOther Ways to Outsmart LiarsTime Well SpentBeing a Good Listener Other Techniques Calling for a Code of EthicsThe Need for a Code of EthicsLeading the ChangeFinal Thoughts

Paul Charles Topalian possesses nearly 30 years as an intelligence professional with considerable overseas experience in Asia and Europe. His foundational expertise in this primer is built on assignments with the United States military, the intelligence community, and law enforcement. He holds a BA from Norwich University and earned his MS from Salve Regina University and his MA from the US Naval War College. He is proud recipient of several national-level intelligence awards for both personal and team achievements in support of some of our nation’s top intelligence requirements. He can be contacted at tradecraftprimer@gmail.com.