Book Description
Proper interviewing and interrogation techniques can significantly affect the success of an investigation. This new edition of a bestseller explores the complex challenges of basic and advanced interview and interrogation techniques, focusing on determining behavior from body language, speech, and written statements. Principles of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation, Second Edition includes findings from the author's research project on demeanor, credibility, and interview and interrogation behavior conducted through the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and funded as part of a special project by the U.S. Government. These findings were presented at the American Psychological Association meeting, which shows the reach of the subject outside of the typical forensic and law enforcement markets.
Customer Reviews:
Might be a useful reference for professionals.......2007-09-07
This book contains basic methods for interviews/interrogations, mostly in relation to criminal investigations by authorities. It is not by any means an intensive academic/scientific/military study, although there are such references to past studies and references, namely one by Rand Corp. in relation to the importance of interviewing victims and witnesses.
The book is seriously lacking in deeper interrogation/intel gathering methods and/or advanced strategies during interviews, although Chapter 4 has some interesting takes on "Verbal Content", along with Chapter 5's "Information Recovery and Statement-Credibility Assessment".
One seriously negative aspect is the author's failure in defining VAST cultural kinesic differences, behavioral and linguistic/verbal differences amongst varying cultures, and especially failing to address backgrounds of pathological liars and career criminal manipulators of human interaction. There wasn't even an index listing for either "pathological liars" or "cultural uniqueness/definitions of kinesic behaviors".
I tend to believe that ANY novice who has no prior investigative training and/or skills and uses this book alone, would very easily misread many natural innocent human behaviors, as well as that same novice who might easily be taken in by "professional" career criminals.
Upside: The ABSOLUTE BEST STATEMENT IN THIS BOOK, as quoted from chapter one, "The first and most important of all Basic Practical Kinesic Prinicples is: No single kinesic behavior, verbal or nonverbal, proves a person is truthful or deceptive."
Chapter 6 provides at least 92 photographs of kinesics examples in relation to nonverbal behaviors with descriptions and discussions of the examples.
Downside: Most basic negative connotations would be the interrogator's inability to REALLY discern guilt from kinesics alone, but in the ability to collect behaviors, statements, interviews, evidence, etc, that might help LEAD an investigator "closer to the truth". The other downside is the dry writing style, along with what could have been better organized materials and cultural differences, especially noting the MANY unique behaviors amongst our myriad of foreign residents in this country that could EASILY be misinterpreted by an interrogator with no prior outside cultural experiences!
Good effort, but you should cross-reference studies.......2005-06-25
I'm up to page 200 and while I usually wait for the end of any book to write a review, I felt compelled to write one now.-----------
I want to open this review by clearly stating that no person should ever agree to be interviewed by law enforcement, guilty or innocent. No lawyer worth his hourly should ever suggest that his client be interview by law enforcement unless he is granted full immunity. The Unites States unlike our European brother countries can legally use deception to get a confession. Police investigators are powerless within the court systems. There is no reason to speak with them directly. If something needs to be confessed, it should be between your attorney and the district attorney.------------
I have law enforcement experience with the NYPD and have read most of the "lie detection" literature available. I've read the Eckman books, the Wiley Series books, and references to studies included and referred to in the Walters book which I found shortly after reading "Detecting Lies and Deceit : The Psychology of Lying and the Implications for Professional Practice" by Vrij. The Vrij book is a good read and you'll be flipping pages to get a good understanding of tests results.-------------
Let me first state from experience, that unfortunately, the NYPD uses the Lieberman approach of pop science, which the Walters book (Kinesic) accurately states, is not an effective tool. The Lieberman book titled "Never Be Lied to Again" is what appears to be on law enforcements guide on "how to" interview and interrogate. I've also witnessed interviewing where arrested persons were denied council for nearly 10 hours as multiple detectives hammered away at them while being cuffed to wooden chairs in a forced slumped position. Bathroom breaks are a privilege and only in trade if you gave them something incriminating. Under these circumstances, people will eventually break even if they did not commit the crime. When the documents were passed to the ADA, I was astonished to read that the perp had never requested a lawyer although I witnessed some of them near crying to speak to a lawyer. Interviewing tactics seem to vary and no formal rules exist. Direct accusation of suspects and a poorly played hand of poker is the method of questioning. Exactly what the above literature states NOT to do, is what appears to be commonplace. ---------
This book is not a bad book, but is misleading. The author calls quotes of research papers and studies to support his claims. The part that really annoyed me is that I read these papers prior to reading this book and his claims of support are not in context with the results of research. Research has show that law enforcement at its best was only able to detect deceit at most 50% of the time. Actually, law enforcement scored lower because overall, the national average IQ of law enforcement was 106 while the standard college test subjects IQ was higher. Law enforcement was unable to fully utilize the information provided to them either because of skepticism or because of their impeded mental dynamics.----------
This book claims in some instances that the suspect is likely to not be truthful by observation of speech and motion, which include clustering. This assumption at best can be 50% accurate. Body language is subjective and is clearly and statistically analyzed in the Vrij book, which also refers to the same authors as Walters uses. An investigator should expect an adversarial encounter, fidgeting, grooming, and other signs of normal and stress induced activities. The author does make some good points about items that manifest themselves under stress. He also points out some conversation clues that a perp could literally hand to an experience investigator that can be followed up on.-------------
Overall, this book can be used as a guide of what not to do as pointed out by the author. The author bases conclusions on lies based on stress related clustering of actions and discretion on observing these actions. The author clearly states that the interviewer should not have a bias toward the subject, but this is clearly not the case as the book progresses. The objective in this book is to get a confession although it states that a false confession is not the objective. True confession or false confession, most police departments just want the confession. Let the DA handle the specifics.-----------
Why do American police have the highest confession rates? The simple fact that the person in the "hot seat" is a suspect resulting from an investigation. The subject is law enforcements most probable perpetrator. There is a high probability that this person is guilty. With the lax rules in questioning and because criminals as a whole are not usually intelligent, confessions are not that difficult to extract. Criminals that are more affluent know enough to request an attorney as soon as they are approached by law enforcement.--------------
This book can help the pop science culture of police investigators realize their mistakes. The book will help the reader identify patterns of a subject. I would not take Walters word on "this subject is probably being deceptive" with actions pointed out in his book because most of his stressed and supposedly deceptive subjects were showing "normal" behavior under stress. His idea of changes in patterns is noteworthy. This book can also help perps derail interviews by tossing in false body language and slips to create an environment where the investigator is running in circles. This idea struck me as unique. What would happen if the interviewee were more polished on interviewing tactics then the interviewer? ------------
Recognize Deceptive Signals in Speech & Body Language.......2005-04-21
This thoroughly researched and practical book was written by Stan Walters, a retired police interrogation specialist with over 25 years' experience. The purpose of his book is to help interrogators rely on highly successful and proven techniques in recognizing deceptive behaviors in speech quality, speech content, and especially body language.
Too often, Walters observed other questioning officers depend on 'gut instinct', racial bias, intimidation, or pre-conceived notions of the interviewee's guilt. Walters admits that police are surprisingly able to solicit false confessions, especially from mentally deficient or emotionally weak interviewees. So, his ultimate goal is to help police identify the real perpetrators of crimes via the perpetrator's own truthful confession of guilt.
In the first theoretical half of the book, Walters introduces kinesic theory (i.e. recognizing non-verbal signals) and the five stages of stress response (anger, depression, denial, bargaining, acceptance). Then he goes on to explain how these stress response stages can be identified in interviewee subjects and provides 90 photographs of subjects' body language movements.
In the second practical half of the book, Walters gives specific instructions on how to conduct interrogations, especially by customizing each interview according to the interviewee's personality type. He also explains the pitfalls of what many 'traditional' interrogators do wrong and how to avoid them. In addition, the interviewer and interviewee must speak the same native language and come from the same culture - often a problem for military interrogators.
This is an excellent practical textbook on how to conduct and secure a (truthful) confession, given a patient, practiced, and conscientious interviewer. Walters admits, however, it still takes practice and involves a lot of hard work - always reading interviewees' behaviors.
Principles Of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation.......2002-10-04
Being a Stan Walters devotee I was pleased to find yet another rivetting publication by the guru of kinesics. Stans writing is refreshing and makes for interesting reading. The content itself is on the button. Excellent reference material for those in the business of detecting deception. I integrated the techniques described by Stan Walters with Statement Analysis techniques and find that I am now far more successful at what I do.
A must for any Criminal Investigator.......2000-05-11
Principals of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation is a well written and well researched look into the physical and physcological traits of a deceptive person. As a criminal investigator with a large Department I have found it to be an invaluable resource. Stan Walters insights and experiences are related in understandable easy to read terms. An excellent book.
Average customer rating:
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Principles of Criminal Law (with Built-in Study Guide) (3rd Edition)
Harvey Wallace , and
Cliff Roberson
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This paperback book, which is briefer than most of its competitors, presents the basic concepts and principles of criminal law.
The authors present the prevailing positions on specific issues, without going into lengthy explanations of majority and minority positions. This clarity of presentation allows them to include material not often found in other books on criminal law, such as white collar crime, victimless crime, political crime, and non-political crimes against the government.
For anyone interested in criminal law.
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- Covers things other books of this kind miss.
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Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and Principles
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ASIN: 0125076401 |
Book Description
Handwriting and hand-printing analysis is applied to many types of investigation: fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking and clandestine labs, sexual offences, threats and extortion, brlackmail, arson, bombings, and theft.
This text covers the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis. Lawyers and investigators will learn about interpreting an examiner's report; the significance of various handwriting opinions; and the influencing factors which must be considered. Naturally, students of document examination can gain much from such a practical, yet rigorously scientific, treatment of the subject.
* Shows investigators how to obtain handwriting specimens and evidence
* Provides model specimen handwriting forms
* Covers best practices for properly identifying, collecting, understanding,and examining evidence
Customer Reviews:
Covers things other books of this kind miss........2007-04-09
I do this for a living - Document Examination - and the book covers subjects that had me dropping my jaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are into this field - buy it!
Book Description
Major emphasis is placed on the basic premises of criminal law, including its sources and general limitations. This Hornbook provides detailed discussion on the topics of responsibility, justification and excuse, inchoate crimes and accomplice, and liability. Attention is also given to subjects such as causation, insanity, and conspiracy.
Average customer rating:
- A well written volume on a very broad subject
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Forensic Botany: Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework
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Evidence from the Earth: Forensic Geology and Criminal Investigation
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Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations
ASIN: 0849315298 |
Book Description
Increasingly, forensic scientists use plant evidence to reconstruct crimes. The forensic aspects of this subject require an understanding of what is necessary for botanical evidence to be accepted in our judicial system. Bringing together the latest information into a single resource, Forensic Botany: Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework introduces the basic science underlying this emerging field of forensic botany. Contributors discuss the recognition of pertinent plant evidence at a crime scene, the appropriate collection and preservation of the material, and maintenance of a chain of custody. They also explain scientific testing methods, the validation of new forensic techniques, and admissibility criteria for court. An overview of plant biology and historical developments in forensic DNA analysis is also included, as well as case examples featuring the use of botanical evidence in a variety of criminal cases. In an effort to build the scientific foundation for this promising field, this book provides definitive coverage of forensic botany with detailed applications and case examples. It familiarizes forensic scientists with the role of botanical evidence in criminal investigations and its potential value in the pursuit of justice.
Customer Reviews:
A well written volume on a very broad subject.......2004-12-23
Coyle has put together a very concise and comprehensive introductory work to a timely subject. While some background in science or forensics is useful before diving into this book, being an expert is by no means necessary. While I won't go so far as to call this volume an "easy read", it is far more understandable to the layperson then some other materials I have read on this subject.
Chapter by chapter, the authors build on the basics of plant science, physiology, and genetics to bring the reader up to a working understanding of the world of forensic botany. This is book is an excellent primer for folks who have a basic knowledge of plant science or forensic science and are interested in how the two tie together.
The example cases do so much to make the rest of the material understandable. I only wish that there were more of these cases.
To the authors - bravo and thank you!
Book Description
During the last decade international criminal law has developed rapidly. Principles of International Criminal Law takes up these developments to provide comprehensive coverage of substantive international criminal law. Gerhard Werle deals with the general principles of international criminal law as well as with individual crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Fundamental issues, such as the evolution, sources and enforcement of international criminal law are included. The book analyzes the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as well as customary international law. The case law of the ICTY and the ICTR as well as that of several national courts is extensively covered. The systematic and thorough approach adopted by the author makes this book indispensable for anyone involved in and interested in the attainment and development of international criminal law.
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Business Principles for Legal Nurse Consultants
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Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practices, Second Edition
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ASIN: 0849346061 |
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Being a Legal Nurse Consultant is your calling. You love what you do. You are ready to go into practice for yourself. You have the education, the drive, and the ability - but is that really enough to succeed? Business Principles for Legal Nurse Consultants is an invaluable resource developed under the auspices of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) that can help you along the way. The editor taps into the collective wisdom and experience of LNCs who have already built their own thriving practices. These trailblazing professionals reveal the secrets of their successes and the pitfalls they encountered through chapters that illustrate how to: · Develop a straightforward, comprehensive business plan · Cultivate the precise marketing mix that gets results · Engage the right technology for your web site and office needs · Effectively manage finances, employees, contractors - and change · Build and maintain beneficial client relationships · Leverage what you know to become a successful expert witness · Deal with that potential minefield known as ethics While these issues may seem overwhelming, they don't have to be. Business Principles for Legal Nurse Consultants is an essential single-source guide that can help you navigate through the details so you can get on with your career!
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Drug Interdiction: Partnerships, Legal Principles, and Investigative Methodologies for Law Enforcement
George S. Steffen , and
Samuel Candelaria
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ASIN: 0849312523 |
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Written by seasoned drug enforcement officials, this book provides a "cop's point of view" of domestic drug interdiction. It trains the reader to interview suspected drug couriers, ascertain whether an investigation is warranted, and employ an entire arsenal of investigative tools, including the drug canine. It also shows how to partner with the business community to combat the drug dilemma. Throughout the book, the authors discuss legal aspects and pertinent case law to ensure that the narcotics investigator stays within the law. Its simple but comprehensive presentation of proven investigation methodologies will aid law enforcement officers and investigators in their effort to stop narcotics trade within the United States.
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The USA PATRIOT Act: Antiterror Legislation in Response to 9/11 (Library of American Laws and Legal Principles)
Bill Scheppler
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Interrogation of the Principles Behind Moralsand Legislation.......2004-12-13
Jeremy Bentham's ideology on human pursuit of pleasure contains many strengths and weaknesses. Bentham's essay, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, separates the two root drives of human essence into categories of pleasure and pain. Bentham stresses the duality of the human mind's pursuit of pleasure, continuing from subjugation of others for ultimate attainment. He states that humans should not be grouped, due to personal conviction and perspective. Although the individual is part of a community, the individual's own pursuance of pleasure categorizes them as a utility; resulting in the term `utilitarianism.'
Several principles are listed by Bentham to support his argument that humanity has a distinct set of motives to create happiness or malcontent amongst the masses. Bentham relates these principles with empowered political bodies and why they continue to rule. One of Bentham's principles, the principle of sympathy and antipathy, praises the human ability to generally accept certain actions as an impersonal blow. Thus, if a utility does not feel threatened or in err, why relate consequences of actions to personal welfare? In turn, should that individual measure out the consequences of others' actions fearing for their own external welfare?
Bentham's perspective on human methodology as a strict functioning environment of social cues has many flaws. Determination of values as `right' or `wrong' does not review the complexities of human social environment. Empowerment was not an anti-puritanical event that occurred in society; but a constitution of human need for order. Bentham suggests that "principle is something that points out some external consideration, as a means of warranting and guiding the internal sentiments of approbation and disapprobation"(75). Assertion of principle as influence on human external action suggests a strong moral power present in an individual's everyday life. Perhaps the rebellion of moral principle has an antipathic effect on moral judgement. The pleasure produced by rebellion of principle dictates a return to instinctual roots; excluding the `civilizing' factor.
Bentham's open acknowledgement that asceticism violates the nature laws of human government, and cannot be fully pursued, illustrates the ties between the Catholicism and enlightened despotism. The origin of Catholicism and despotism, according to Bentham, stems from an unrealistic aim to impose a standard of morality on the masses. His criticizing of saints best illustrates an open reaction to the weakness of asceticism. Bentham states that, "though many persons of this class have wielded the reins (sic) of empire, we read of none who have set themselves to work, and made laws of purpose"(73). Unfortunately, his touting of utilitarianism above the principle of asceticism, as a proper way to establish a governing body, is only comparative with traditional social classification in the eighteenth century.
Bentham proposed a new way to establish morality and just governmental action from traditional monarchical rule. The imposed Rule of Right, whereas kings justified rule as eternal over his people and empowered by God, was a shifting environment that came into question in Bentham's lifetime. Utilitarianism provided an answer to strategic social problems that came with new leadership apart from a monarchy. Moral advocating by reformers as something an individual instinctually knows is right, was a key concept in utilitarianism. Therefore, pursuance of pleasure above pain would produce just results in a newly formed government.
Pleasure, in the strictest sense, took a prominent place in executive rule over a government. Bentham also writes that good tendency sometimes counteracts pursuance of pleasure in legislative and judicial matters. He best expresses this by writing, "It is not to be expected that this process should be strictly pursued previously to every moral judgement"(88). Considering the objective process of judicial decision as a moral and just environment was revolutionary. Morality, without the ties of asceticism, could and did exist in a ruling environment, ultimately usurping previous ideas that Rule of Right contained eternal, prophetic principle. Bentham's ideas set a cornerstone for other studies of social morality, thus contributing to the new field of sociology.
Bentham's idea of human pleasure and pain being either simple or complex seems very generalistic in approach. He suggests that pleasure and pain are bound into simple and complex categories, therefore never transpiring into different classifications. The elementary view on pursuance of pleasure and pain seems vague for a study of the human condition. Bentham writes that, "the simple ones are those which cannot any one of them be resolved into more," creating a moral quandary (90). For example, Bentham's idea that "the end of the law is to augment happiness" is a just principle of government (97). Unfortunately, law must sometimes contain happiness to produce security. Duality of principle is discussed in his writings, but for every dark and light area there is a gray area.
Jeremy Bentham pioneered root elements of human motivation and morality. He conceptualized a government that founded itself on pursuance of pleasure as just rule. Character of individuals is attained through positive motivation, but for every individual of good character lies the possibility of bad character. Corruption was possible, and presented itself in many forms throughout human history. Efforts to catalogue unpleasant and pleasant dispositions find that government that is founded on positive principle is always corrupted by human condition. Jeremy Bentham's approach in rediscovery of individual strains, through principles, shed a new light on morality.
I hope you enjoy this work as much as I did.
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Detecting Lies and Deceit: The Psychology of Lying and the Implications for Professional Practice (Wiley Series in Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law)
Practical Aspects of Interview and Interrogation, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations)
The Truth About Lying: How to Spot a Lie and Protect Yourself from Deception
Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques, Second Edition
