Would You Survive An Interrogation?
How would you hold up against the standard process of police interrogation as practiced by United States law enforcement? Whether you're guilty or innocent, this quiz is bound to intrigue.
- 1.
The detective has entered the briefing room holding a huge folder full of papers. He says they have a file on you going back to childhood, and your record does not look good.
- A.
Confess immediately because your record will convict you anyway.
- B.
Lie about your record and hope they've missed the big stuff.
- C.
Ignore your record, because what's in the past is past.
- D.
Offer to plea-bargain your offense to a lesser charge.
Correct Answer
C. Ignore your record, because what's in the past is past.Explanation
You are only concerned with the current charge for which you're being interrogated. Detectives commonly use this tactic to intimidate the suspect into thinking the odds are against them.Rate this question:
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- 2.
At the beginning of your interrogation, the detective mentions that there were two witnesses at the scene before they ask you what happened.
- A.
Ask what the witnesses are saying.
- B.
Stick to your story anyway.
- C.
Change your story slightly so if the witnesses later report something different, you can prove them wrong.
- D.
Offer to sign a confession now.
Correct Answer
B. Stick to your story anyway.Explanation
Believe it or not, there is no law that says that detectives have to tell the truth when interrogating a suspect. The witnesses could have not seen anything, not be cooperative, or simply made up!Rate this question:
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- 3.
The detectives tell you that your friend, relative, or boss already informed on you, and ask you to confirm what they've heard.
- A.
Offer to snitch on your friend, relative, or boss in retaliation.
- B.
Try to discredit your friend, relative, or boss to the detectives.
- C.
Admit to everything, since the cat's out of the bag anyway.
- D.
Ignore this information and stick to your story.
Correct Answer
D. Ignore this information and stick to your story.Explanation
Once again, the detective might be bluffing. Especially with friends who were arrested together, getting them to turn on each other is a very common and effective tactic.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The detective mentions that the judge who will handle this case might be willing to be more lenient and grant you a lighter sentence, since you were intoxicated at the time, if you will cooperate. But if you refuse, they'll "throw the book at you".
- A.
Deny that you were intoxicated.
- B.
Go along with the plan, offering to check into rehab.
- C.
Stick to your story anyway, and let the chips fall where they may.
- D.
Confess, in great detail, your substance-abuse habits, hoping to get more sympathy.
Correct Answer
C. Stick to your story anyway, and let the chips fall where they may.Explanation
There is no such thing as a lighter sentence for a crime committed while intoxicated. The only thing you'll get out of going along with this is an additional charge for substance abuse. Detectives often act sympathetic with the suspect, hoping to give them a reason to justify their crime while confessing to it, which is all they are after.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The detective notes that you have a high-ranking position in your company. He says that if you don't cooperate, he will tell your boss and all of your co-workers about your offense, whether you're guilty or not.
- A.
Confess quickly and sign everything; you might draw some jail time, but at least you'll be spared the humiliation.
- B.
Refuse to comply with the interrogation and insist that your lawyer will hear of this.
- C.
Offer to bribe the detective to "keep quiet".
- D.
Ask for a phone call and when you get it, use it to call your boss and "break it to him/her gently".
Correct Answer
B. Refuse to comply with the interrogation and insist that your lawyer will hear of this.Explanation
This is called "obtaining a confession under coercion", and it's a crime in itself! Not only will any confession under a threat of public humiliation be thrown out of court, but the detective might be charged with misconduct as well.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The crime you are charged with is that you kicked your neighbor's dog. It is your turn to speak..
- A.
Protest that you couldn't have done that because you have dogs yourself and you love dogs.
- B.
Portray the neighbor as somebody with a vendetta against you.
- C.
Just keep saying "I didn't do it."
- D.
Mention that the dog made a mess on your lawn and it wasn't a kick you gave him, but more of a shove.
Correct Answer
C. Just keep saying "I didn't do it."Explanation
Attempting to minimize the action, reverse the accusation against your accuser, or appeal to logic is a clear sign that you are, in fact, guilty, and that it's only a matter of "breaking you down". When you're really innocent, you will say so without trying to paint a picture around it to make it sound more believable.Rate this question:
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- 7.
They've been grilling you for hours, and you're getting hungry, thirsty, and uncomfortable. The detective indicates that you'll be free to go as soon as you sign your confession.
- A.
Try to draw the interrogation out as long as possible to show them how tough you are.
- B.
Bargain with the detective, offering to confess if they'll let you eat, drink, and rest first.
- C.
Become angry and demand that they let you go right now, because they're torturing you.
- D.
Patiently state that you will not sign confessions of any sort, if you have to sit here for the rest of your life.
Correct Answer
D. Patiently state that you will not sign confessions of any sort, if you have to sit here for the rest of your life.Explanation
The charge of torture is a borderline issue, here. If you were treated unfairly, however, there will be time to bring that up later. Presenting a calm, resolute demeanor will assure them that you have a clear conscience and no cause to worry.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 06, 2008Quiz Created by
Penguinp