Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What does the factual interrogation technique involve?

1. Encouraging the suspect to talk freely

2. Presenting evidence and asking for explanations

3. Showing sympathy to gain trust

4. Offering incentives for cooperation

The correct answer is: Presenting evidence and asking for explanations

The factual interrogation technique primarily involves presenting evidence to the suspect and asking for their explanations regarding the facts of the case. This method is grounded in the belief that providing concrete information or proof can prompt the suspect to respond with more truthful and relevant accounts. By laying out the evidence, interrogators create a scenario in which the suspect must confront the reality of the situation, often leading them to either confess or provide a more detailed story. In this approach, the focus is on verifiable facts rather than emotional appeals or incentives. Encouraging free dialogue, showing sympathy, or offering incentives typically pertain to different interrogation strategies that rely more on psychological manipulation or persuasion rather than direct confrontation with the facts at hand. Thus, the effectiveness of the factual interrogation technique lies in its structured effort to utilize evidence to elicit truthful responses from the suspect.