Interrogation Analysis Answer Key
Answer Key: Tactical Analysis
Teacher Reference Only - Case File #842
Part 1: Transcript Analysis Key
| Interrogation Tactic | Possible Evidence/Explanation |
|---|
| Open vs. Closed Questions | Starts with open-ended: "tell me everything you did last night." Follows with closed-ended/leading: "Was it red?" |
| Fabricated Evidence | Lies about cameras: "We have a clear shot of your face." Lies about fingerprints: "We found your fingerprints on the counter." |
| Maximization | Exaggerates the threat: "You’re looking at fifteen years. Aggravated robbery. Armed robbery. That’s your whole life." |
| Minimization | Moral justification: "It wasn't about being a criminal; it was about being a provider." Downplaying: "admit it was a mistake—a one-time thing." |
| Implicit Promise | "I can talk to the DA... We can get you out of here and back to your own bed tonight." |
Vulnerability Assessment Key
- Personal Vulnerability: Leo is a minor (17). He is likely suggestible and easily intimidated by authority figures and legal threats.
- Interrogation Length: Over 6 hours. This creates physical exhaustion and extreme stress. In the transcript, Leo explicitly says, "I really want to go home. I’m so tired." This indicates he is confessing just to escape the situation (Coerced-compliant).
Part 2: Script Grading Rubric
Proficient
Uses at least 2 specific tactics correctly. Dialogue feels realistic. Reflection correctly identifies the confession type.
Developing
Attempts tactics but they may be overly aggressive or vague. Reflection is partially correct.
Beginning
Simply asks "Did you do it?" without applying psychological techniques from the lesson.
Interrogation Analysis Answer Key Expanded
Answer Key: Tactical Analysis
Teacher Reference Only - Case File #842
Part 1: Transcript Analysis Key
| Interrogation Tactic | Evidence from Expanded Transcript |
|---|
| Open vs. Closed Questions | Starts with an open question: "tell me everything you did last night." Miller then follows up with a leading/closed question: "Was it red?" |
| Fabricated Evidence | Miller lies about surveillance: "We have a clear shot of your face." He also lies about forensic evidence: "We found your fingerprints on the counter." |
| Maximization | He exaggerates the severity and legal threat: "You’re looking at fifteen years. Aggravated robbery. Armed robbery. That’s your whole life, Leo. Gone." |
| Minimization | Miller provides a moral excuse: "It wasn't about being a criminal; it was about being a provider." He downplays the act: "it was a mistake—a one-time thing." |
| Implicit Promise | Lures Leo with freedom: "I can talk to the DA... We can get you out of here and back to your own bed tonight." |
Vulnerability Assessment Key
- Personal Vulnerability: At 17, Leo is a minor. Students should mention that his youth makes him more vulnerable to psychological pressure and suggestibility.
- Interrogation Length: Over 6 hours in isolation. This length leads to fatigue, stress, and despair. Leo’s plea ("I really want to go home. I’m so tired.") proves he is confessing to escape the discomfort, a hallmark of a Coerced-compliant false confession.
Part 2: Script Grading Rubric
Proficient
Clearly identifies and applies 2+ tactics from the lesson. The dialogue feels realistic and high-pressure. Reflection correctly identifies the resulting confession type with strong justification.
Developing
Identifies tactics but application in the script is weak or inconsistent. Dialogue may be unrealistically short. Reflection is present but lacks deep psychological reasoning.
Beginning
Tactics are not applied or are misunderstood. Script is a simple Q&A without psychological pressure. Reflection is incorrect or missing.
Sample "Coerced-Compliant" Answer
"The confession Jamie gives would most likely be Coerced-compliant. Because the officer used fabricated evidence and a promise of going home, Jamie felt pressured to agree just to end the stressful situation, even though they knew they were innocent."
Interrogation Analysis Worksheet Expanded
Case File: Tactical Analysis
Subject: Interrogations & False Confessions
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Transcript Analysis
Read the following interrogation transcript. The suspect, Leo (17), is being questioned about a convenience store robbery. He has been in the interrogation room for over 6 hours.
DET. MILLER: Leo, look at me. We’ve been talking for a long time. I’ve been patient. Why don’t you start from the beginning—tell me everything you did last night after school.
LEO: I already told you. I went to the park. I played basketball until it got dark, then I walked home.
DET. MILLER: The park, huh? (Leans in) What color was the hoodie you were wearing at the park? Was it red?
LEO: No... it was blue. Just a plain blue hoodie.
DET. MILLER: Interesting. Because a witness at the store—someone who saw everything—described a blue hoodie exactly like yours. And we checked the cameras, Leo. We have a clear shot of your face by the register.
LEO: (Voice shaking) That’s impossible. I wasn't there! Your cameras are wrong!
DET. MILLER: Cameras don't lie, Leo. Science doesn't lie. We found your fingerprints on the counter where the money was taken. You’re in deep here. If we go to trial with this evidence, you’re looking at fifteen years. Aggravated robbery. Armed robbery. That’s your whole life, Leo. Gone.
LEO: Fifteen years? I didn't do anything!
DET. MILLER: Look, I get it. You’re a good kid. I know things have been tough at home. You just wanted to help your mom with the bills, right? It wasn't about being a criminal; it was about being a provider. Anyone would do that in your shoes. If you just admit it was a mistake—a one-time thing because you were desperate—I can talk to the DA. I can make sure they see you as a kid who made a bad choice, not a monster. We can get you out of here and back to your own bed tonight.
LEO: (Crying) I just... I really want to go home. I’m so tired.
DET. MILLER: I know you are. Sign this, tell me what I need to hear, and this all ends. You want it to end, right?
LEO: (Quietly) Okay. Yeah. I did it. I took the money. Just please let me go home.
Tactical Identification
Identify four different interrogation tactics used by Detective Miller and provide evidence.
| Interrogation Tactic | Evidence from Transcript |
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Vulnerability Assessment
Based on the lesson, what personal vulnerability does Leo have, and how did the influence his decision to confess?
