Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What psychological tactic is employed in complimentary interrogation to influence the suspect's perception?

1. Creates fear of consequence

2. Creates the illusion of officer's admiration

3. Provides factual evidence

4. Generates empathy

The correct answer is: Creates the illusion of officer's admiration

In complimentary interrogation, the psychological tactic employed is the creation of the illusion of the officer's admiration. This approach is designed to build rapport and make the suspect feel valued, which can lead them to be more open and cooperative during the interrogation process. By fostering a sense of trust and respect, the suspect may become more inclined to share information, as they perceive the officer as an ally rather than an adversary. This tactic leverages the psychological concept of social compliance, where individuals are more likely to comply with requests from those they perceive as favorable or supportive. Thus, when a suspect feels that the interrogating officer admires them or views them positively, it can diminish defensiveness and increase the likelihood of a confession or cooperation. Other tactics like creating fear of consequence aim to intimidate and may provoke resistance; providing factual evidence could lead to denial rather than cooperation; and generating empathy might distract from the interrogation's purpose. However, the illusion of admiration directly encourages collaboration and a more open dialogue, making it a particularly effective strategy within this context.