Overall, there were regional differences in activation between deceptive and truthful
conditions. Furthermore, there were twice as many areas of the brain activated during the
deception process compared to the truth-telling condition.
FIGURE 22.6
22. THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH: FUTURE INSTRUMENTATION
321
Deception
Activation
BA 9, BA
32
Anterior
Cingulate
A
B
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
C
0
FIGURE 22.7
The fMRI may be developed as a stand-alone process, or combined with the polygraph to
increase its overall accuracy. Further investigation is needed to determine if the fMRI may
reduce the inconclusive results that occasionally occur in a traditional polygraph situation,
and just as important, whether it can effectively assist in determinations where suspects
have been trained to employ mental countermeasures in an attempt to escape detection in
the traditional polygraph setting. These results are promising in that they suggest a consis-
tency in brain patterns that might be beyond conscious control.
In 2009, the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) introduced a new
device to be used in Afghanistan and Iraq for initial screening of suspects. The Preliminary
Credibility Assessment Screening System (PCASS) is a handheld computer or personal dig-
ital assistant that attempts to measure stress to decide if a subject is telling the truth. PCASS
uses external physiological information consisting of electrodermal activity and cardiovas-
cular information from a photo-plethysmograph collected during an interview in an
attempt to detect deception (Figure 22.8). These signals are interpreted by an algorithm, a computer program that displays the word “Green” if the person is thought to be telling
the truth, “Red” for deceptive, and “Yellow” for an uncertain result.
The instrument was designed by the Lafayette Instrument Company, of Lafayette, Indi-
ana, which also manufactures polygraph instruments. The algorithm – which interprets
the physiological information – was designed at Johns Hopkins University by the
Advanced Physics Laboratory, where the project was called “Truth Verifier.” They have
also designed PolyScore, an algorithm for interpreting polygraph data.
322
22. THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH: FUTURE INSTRUMENTATION
FIGURE 22.8
The PCASS will be used to narrow down large groups of suspects. Those failing the
PCASS test will then be further interviewed or given the much more accurate polygraph
examination. In Pentagon tests with basic trainees and civilians, the device was correct in
62%, 63%, and 79% of cases, when inconclusive results were viewed as errors.
Adding to the problem of accuracy is the fact that the instrument does not record respira-
tion or physical movements, both of which could be employed in an effort to defeat the test.
The government’s position is that even with its faults, PCASS is still more accurate than the
voice stress devices they were employing prior to the development of the PCASS test.
Pupil dilation has shown promise in the past as a possible physiological response that
occurs in conjunction with deception. Like electrodermal activity, pupil dilation is con-
trolled by the sympathetic nervous system. In her 2008 doctoral thesis at the University
of Utah, “Effects of Motivation and Item Difficulty on Oculomotor and Behavioral Measures
of Deception,” Andrea Webb reported that guilty suspects showed greater pupil diameters,
took longer to respond to questions, had more fixations, and took more time reading and
rereading items to which they were deceptive than did innocent suspects. Four of the vari-
ables she studied correctly identified 84% of the guilty and 89% of the innocent suspects.
In the future, regardless of the instrumentation utilized, there will still be the need for
professionals to interview suspects and psychologically prepare them for tests involving
instrumental detection of deception, and obtain confessions from suspects determined to
be deceptive. In that vein, we hope you find this text useful in your search for truth, and
that all your mysteries are solved!
SUMMARY
• The most accurate instrument currently used for truth verification is the polygraph.
• Future truth verification technology will focus on the brain.
• Regardless of the advances in instrumentation, there will always be a need for
professional interviewers and interrogators.
SUMMARY
323
References
[1] American Polygraph Association. Web site: http://www.polygraph.org.
[2] ABC Primetime News, Innocent Until Proven Guilty, March 30 (2006).
[3] F.B. Mohamed, S.H. Faro, N.J. Gordon, S.M. Platek, H. Ahmad, M.J. Williams, Brain mapping using functional MRI (fMRI) during truth telling and deception, Radiology (2005).
[4] A. Boustany, S. Davis, S. Anderson, P. Pyle, B.A. Block, Nature 415 (2002) 35 36.
A P P E N D I X
A
Forensic Assessment Interview
Keystone Intelligence Network, Inc.
1704 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 545-1111; Fax (215) 454-1773
Name:
File no.:
Address:
Date of interview:
Client:
Telephone no.:
Telephone no.:
Requested by:
Interviewee arrived:
Oral report to:
Interview started:
Location of interview:
Interview ended:
Interviewee left:
Interviewer:
Investigator present? □ Yes □ No
Verified by:
Name:
CONSENT FORM
I,
, have been advised, before submitting myself to a Forensic
Assessment Interview, on this the
day of
, 20
, that I cannot
be forced to submit myself to take a Forensic Assessment Interview for any reason. Further-
more, I have the absolute right to refuse such interview. With full knowledge of these rights
and without duress, coercion, force, intimidation, or promises of immunity or reward, I do
hereby request a Forensic Assessment Interview be given to me by an Interviewer of Key-
stone Intelligence Network, Inc., for the mutual benefit of myself and
.
I also authorize the Interviewer of Keystone Intelligence Network, Inc., to disclose both
orally and/or in writing, all information, results, conclusions and/or opinions arising from
said interview, to
, for whatever uses they may determine. I further autho-
rize Keystone Intelligence Network, Inc., to electronically record this interview for the pur-
poses of review, reporting, research or training. I understand fully that I can terminate this
Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
325
# 2011, Elsevier Ltd.
326
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
interview anytime I so desire. Intending to be legally bound, I remise, release, waive, and
forever discharge all and each of the above corporations, firms, and/or individuals from
I may have now or may ever have resulting directly or indirectly, or remotely both by
my taking said interview and/or oral or written information, results, conclusions, and/or
opinions, rendered because of said Forensic Assessment Interview.
In Witness Whereof, I have Hereunto Set My Hand and Seal
WITNESS
DATE
(SEAL) Signature of interviewee
DATE
This interview was concluded at
, on the above date. Having submitted
myself freely to the interview, I hereby reaffirm my agreement as expressed above. I swear
that during said interview, I was well treated and remained of my own free will, knowing
that I could leave anytime I so desired. I also swear and certify there were no threats, and/
or harm done to me, or any promises made to me during the entire time that I have been
here, either in connection with the interview or the signing of this form.
WITNESS
DATE
(SEAL) Signature of interviewee
DATE
PERSONAL DATA
Age:
DOB:
Married: □ Single: □ Separated: □ Divorced: □
Children:
Driver’s license:
Ever arrested?
YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
When asked to do interview?
By whom?
How far did you go in school? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Did you graduate? YES □ NO □
College:
Years attended:
Degree:
Military service:
Years:
Type discharge:
MEDICAL DATA
Have you been hospitalized in the last five years? YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
327
Under the care of a physician at this time? YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
Taking any medication at this time? YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
Do you have any pain or discomfort at this time? YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
Do you know of any reason you would have difficulty understanding my questions and answer-
ing them coherently? YES □ NO □ If yes, explain:
MISCELLANEOUS
How many hours of sleep did you get last night?
Sleep soundly? YES □ NO □
If no, explain:
In the past 24 hours have you had any alcohol/used any illegal substances?
YES □ NO □
If yes, explain:
POSTURE/DEMEANOR (þ1 Truthful/0 Inconclusive/–1 Deceptive)
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
If using MITT, do it now and issue one overall score:
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
ELICITED VERBAL RESPONSES (þ1 Truthful/0 Inconclusive/–1 Deceptive)
1a. Where do you work?
1b. How long have you worked there/here?
2. What do you do?
3. How do you like working there/here?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
328
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
4. What is this interview and investigation about?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
5. Why were you selected to be interviewed?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
6. How do you feel about being interviewed?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
7. Please write/tell me in detail what you know about
this and how you would explain it.
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
8. If you were the investigator, how would you conduct
the investigation?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
9. What are the five most important causes that would
have created this situation?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
10. Did you ever think about doing something like this?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
11. (Comparison) During the first
years of your life
did you ever
?
12. Did you
?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
329
13. (Comparison) In your entire life did you ever
?
14. Who would you suspect?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
15. Who would you vouch for?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
16. When the person who did this is caught, what do you
think should happen to them?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
17. Would you give them a second chance?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
18. We will be doing a thorough investigation.
We will be interviewing everyone and doing forensic tests. How do you
think the investigation will come out concerning you,
and whether or not you did this?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
19. Would there be any reason evidence would come
indicating you did this?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
20. Would you be willing to chip in to pay for
?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
21. Did you tell anyone about what happened and that
you had to be interviewed?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
330
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
22. Why do you think someone would do something
like this?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
23. Do you think it was done deliberately, or could it
have been accidental?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
24. Do you know for sure who did this?
25. In your entire life, did you ever tell a lie to get out
of trouble?
26. Did you lie about whether or not you did this?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
27. If you had been the interviewer, and had three
questions to ask to resolve this problem, what would
you have asked?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
28. If we need to speak with you again would you be
willing to return?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
After-interview Interview
How do you feel now that the interview is over?
APPENDIX A. FORENSIC ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
331
Should I believe your answers? (Note: Must answer
“Yes” here to be considered for a þ1)
If yes, give me one reason why.
What would you say if the investigation proves you
did this?
What were your emotions during the interview?
Were you afraid?
If you were asked to pay, how much would you be
willing to pay?
Score: (þ) (0) (–)
NOTE: To receive a þ1 interviewee must answer second question “Yes,” and then say “I did
not lie, I told the truth, I did not do the crime,” as part of their answer to any other question.
TOTAL SCORES FROM ALL PAGES:
A P P E N D I X
B
Weighted FAINT Form:
Forensic Assessment Interview
Name:
File no.:
Address:
Date of interview:
Client:
Telephone no.:
Telephone no.:
Requested by:
Interviewee arrived:
Oral report to:
Interview started:
Location of interview:
Interview ended:
&n
bsp; Interviewee left:
Interviewer:
Investigator present? □ Yes □ No
Verified by:
Name:
CONSENT FORM
I,
, have been advised, before submitting myself to a Forensic
Assessment Interview, on this the
day of
, 20
, that I cannot
be forced to submit myself to take a Forensic Assessment Interview for any reason. Further-
more, I have the absolute right to refuse such interview. With full knowledge of these
rights and without duress, coercion, force, intimidation, or promises of immunity or
reward, I do hereby request a Forensic Assessment Interview be given to me by an Inter-
viewer of Keystone Intelligence Network, Inc., for the mutual benefit of myself
and
.
I also authorize the Interviewer of Keystone Intelligence Network, Inc., to disclose both
orally and/or in writing, all information, results, conclusions and/or opinions arising from
said interview, to, for whatever uses they may determine. I further authorize Keystone
Intelligence Network, Inc., to electronically record this interview for the purposes of review,
reporting, research or training. I understand fully that I can terminate this interview any-
time I so desire. Intending to be legally bound, I remise, release, waive, and forever
Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
333
# 2011, Elsevier Ltd.
334
APPENDIX B. WEIGHTED FAINT FORM
discharge all and each of the above corporations, firms, and/or individuals from any and
all actions or causes of action, claims or demands, liability or legal action which I may have
now or may ever have resulting directly or indirectly, or remotely both by my taking said
interview and/or oral or written information, results, conclusions, and/or opinions,
rendered because of said Forensic Assessment Interview.
In Witness Whereof, I have Hereunto Set My Hand and Seal
WITNESS
DATE
(SEAL) Signature of interviewee
DATE
This interview was concluded at
, on the above date. Having
submitted myself freely to the interview, I hereby reaffirm my agreement as expressed
above. I swear that during said interview, I was well treated and remained of my own
free will, knowing that I could leave anytime I so desired. I also swear and certify
there were no threats, and/or harm done to me, or any promises made to me during
the entire time that I have been here, either in connection with the interview or the signing
Nathan J Gordon, William L Fleisher Page 48