Autopsy of a Mind

Chapter 74: Remain My Assistant Forever

They turned back to the video. The detective proceeded to explain that he is a lover of tea and asked Richard if he would like some. Richard politely declined, saying that though he likes tea, he was more of a coffee drinker.

"Usually, a layman would have chimed in and nodded along with the detective because the power of the detective is much higher than their own, but Richard holds an official position in the army and his confidence is higher than the normal person. This is why he is able to exert his own opinion and casually say no. Notice that there is no significant change in his body language yet. He doesn't suspect that he will be caught, he has no fear of that happening."

I wrote that down carefully, adding a little question in the margin. 'Is it a casual question or has the detective asked it to gauge the suspect's reaction? It could also be used to build rapport.'

"I have a simple rule when I am talking to someone and I know that you are the same. I treat people with respect." The detective established. He proceeded to read out Richard's rights after assuring him that it was normal procedure.

"Any time you feel you want to leave, the door is not locked. You can walk out at any time."

This reminded me of the situation at the psychiatrist's office. 

"Although the suspect was free to leave at any time, there was a subtle yet highly subconscious strategy to stop Richard from going out. The detective sat between Richard and the door. Almost every interrogation uses this technique. It is a subliminal message that tells the suspect that if they want out of the situation, they will have to pass through the detective. It is widely argued if this technique works. On one hand, it can act as an impactful emotional barrier that is often prevented suspects from leaving the area where they are vulnerable, on the other hand, psychologists also argue that it puts undue pressure on the person being interviewed and can lead to false confessions and problems in the court if the defense lawyer can establish that a confession was 'coerced.'"

I thought about that carefully. "Dr. Knight had a similar setup. I asked him casually if that was what he was doing, as well but he laughed."

"You must understand that the patient is not a suspect. It is the demeanor of the person asking the questions that determines the purpose of this technique. The doctor is there to help you, that is their universal task. A detective is out to catch the criminal. No matter how friendly they are, they are doing a job. That puts pressure on the person being interviewed," Sebastian casually explained. 

"It's interesting how similar techniques can elicit different emotions in people." And that was something to think about. 

"Write down your thoughts. Academic papers written about victim interrogations and techniques are scarce. If you need field experience, I can ask the officers to let you watch in and evaluate." The offer was enticing. 

"I get to write academic papers, too?" I asked with amusement.

"Did you think you'll remain my assistant forever? You need to surpass me in investigation. Just because I excel in profiling serial killers doesn't mean you can't have your own area of expertise." He shrugged. 

"You clearly think far ahead in the future." I looked at him with admiration. 

"I have faith in you. With your ability, it would take a thousand men to pull you down from what you will achieve." With his mentorship, of course, I had to add in my head.

"Enough of this talk. Let's watch the video."

The detective told him that he could contact a lawyer at any time. The suspect smirked as if showing that he was confident that there would be nothing incriminating against him. He didn't need a lawyer in his opinion. 

"I want to explain to you exactly what is going on, okay? Amy Wright is one of four cases that we are currently investigating and essentially what has happened is that over the past 6 months, there have been four occurrences where someone entered women's houses during evening hours and committing sexual assault."

"There were 25 break-ins and 30 cases of sexual assault in the city that year, resulting in theft of female garments. All these occurrences took place near Richard's home, who is the prime suspect for the four cases at the time of his interrogation," Sebastian added helpfully.

The detective went on to give the names and case histories of the four women. 

"Essentially when you look at those crimes, we are looking at different charges. It arches over first-degree murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, forcible confinement, and trespassing. When we find out who is responsible for one or all of those crimes, they will be charged with them. Whether it is you or somebody else. This is why it is important that you understand what you have to look out for when you are talking to us. I reiterate, if you feel like you need a lawyer, let me know I will take you to a separate room where you can consult a lawyer." The detective paused. "Is there a chance that you wish to speak to a lawyer before starting this interrogation?"

The detective had laid out all the facts in front of him without threatening the suspect. He had also repeatedly asked Richard if he wanted a lawyer, showing proof that the right wasn't stolen from him.