Interview and Interrogation: The Reid Technique versus Hypnosis

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Many strategies for interviewing and interrogating individuals have been explored over time. Some seem to withstand the test of time, others falter. Two such methods that have been used over time have been the Reid Technique, developed by John E. Reid with the assistance of Fred E. Inbau, and the technique of hypnosis. The similarities and differences of all techniques are what determine their success or failure. An examination of the Reid Technique and hypnosis will reveal why one is still used today and the other is rarely used.
The discovery of hypnosis extends back centuries. As early as the 18th century, Franz Mesmer “was the first to propose a rational basis for the effects of hypnosis.” (Learn about the history of hypnosis - a fascinating subject!, n.d.) Through time, various scholars have contributed to the understanding and use of hypnotism. It remains today to be a widely-known technique though few actually understand how hypnotism works or how to induce it. Today, it is largely used for mental health reasons, however it is still sometimes used to aid a victim or witness in recalling details which may be critical to identifying the suspect.
The Reid Technique was born out of a compassionate man, John Reid, who had an interest in human behavior. In the 1930s, the primary tools used for interrogation consisted of intense and intimidating questioning, with the use of the very rudimentary polygraph technique. (Inbau, Reid, Buckley, & Jayne, 2013, p. vii) On a quest to find a technique that was more effective, Reid began to observe the behaviors of subjects who were interviewed or interrogated, and realized a distinct pattern of behaviors and a routine succession of those behaviors. (Inbau, Reid, Buckley, & Jayne, 2...

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...ormation Institute.
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Learn about the history of hypnosis - a fascinating subject! (n.d.). Retrieved 4 27, 2014, from History of Hypnosis RSS: http://www.historyofhypnosis.org/
Ramsland, K. (n.d.). Forensic Hypnosis for Memory Enhancement. Retrieved 4 27, 2014, from Forensic Hypnosis — — Crime Library : http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/hypnosis/1.html
Sanow, E. (2011, November). The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation. Law and Order. Retrieved from http://www.reid.com/pdfs/20111213.pdf

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