If the police said they want to interrogate you about a crime, it might bring all kinds of horrible images to mind. That is why no law official will say that to you. Instead, they will say they want to ask you a few questions, want to talk to you or want to interview you.
Technically, interrogate means the police want to get you to confess to a crime they have decided you carried out, whereas an interview means they seek information. Yet regardless of the investigation stage, you need to take great care when talking to the police.
Police are trained in how to get information out of people
The police have many ways of making you talk. Here are a few sneaky tactics to watch out for:
- Divide and conquer: Let’s say the police arrest you and a friend and accuse you of robbery. Questioning you together makes it simpler for you and your friend to present the same story. If they separate you, they can look for differences in your versions of events. They might even play you off against each other, telling you that your friend has admitted to the crime or accused you while telling your friend that you have done the same.
- Being sympathetic: Beware the police officer who seems like a shoulder to cry on. They will mentally note down everything you tell them and be willing to use it against you.
- Making intentional errors: Correcting someone when they are wrong comes naturally to many of us. The police may introduce intentional errors when recounting a version of events hoping that you correct them with an incriminating answer.
Remember, you have the right to remain silent when the police want to talk to you. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to avoid incriminating yourself and raise your chances of acquittal if charged with a criminal offense.
