From: jcs
Detectives employ various interrogation techniques to gather information and secure confessions, often adapting their approach based on the suspect’s behavior and available evidence.
Initial Processing and Isolation
When a person is brought to the police station as a witness, such as David Trronis in this case, detectives may swap their clothing for a custody suit [00:01:09]. They might also provide basic comforts like water, a blanket, and tissues [00:01:11]. A common tactic involves placing the individual in an interrogation room and leaving them alone for an extended period, such as over four hours, before questioning begins [00:01:22]. This isolation can be used to induce anxiety or encourage cooperation.
Phased Approach: Sympathy to Confrontation
Detectives often begin an interrogation with a sympathetic and non-confrontational tone [00:02:51]. The aim is to create a false belief that they accept the individual’s initial story, in order to keep them engaged [00:02:56]. They may express condolences for a loss and acknowledge the traumatic nature of the situation [00:03:52], [00:04:21]. This initial rapport-building is followed by a rapid acceleration of pressure once the suspect provides their initial version of events [00:03:01].
Miranda Rights and Oath
Before formal questioning about the incident, detectives are required to inform the individual of their rights, including the right to remain silent [00:06:27], and warn them that anything said may be used against them in court [00:06:35]. Additionally, they may administer an oath to ensure the truthfulness of testimony [00:06:41].
Building a Timeline and Addressing Inconsistencies
Detectives systematically establish a timeline of events leading up to the incident [00:13:38]. They collect basic biographical information [00:04:27] and details about relationships and living arrangements, noting any inconsistencies [00:05:13].
Intensifying Pressure
As the interrogation progresses, detectives gradually intensify the pressure. They may shift questioning to sensitive topics, such as past arguments or physical altercations [00:19:40], [00:20:44]. When confronted with perceived lies or evasions, detectives become more direct and accusatory, highlighting physical evidence that contradicts the suspect’s narrative [00:21:08]. For example, in David Trronis’s case, the detective pointed out the victim’s significant injuries and the lack of water on the floor, which contradicted his story of finding her in a bathtub [00:21:14], [00:26:22], [00:26:34].
Confronting Deception
Detectives may directly confront the suspect about their perceived deception, pointing out “fake cries” or insincere displays of emotion [00:29:00]. They might accuse the suspect of attempting to overwhelm them with “flowery, fancy language” [00:28:21]. They also assert that the individual cooperated because they believed they could deceive the detectives [00:28:10].
Use of Polygraph and Extended Isolation
Detectives may offer a polygraph test to the suspect, presenting it as an opportunity to clear their name [00:24:11]. However, they may choose not to proceed with the test, instead leaving the suspect in the interrogation room for additional hours (e.g., over two hours) to further increase psychological pressure and anticipation [00:24:29].
These techniques are designed to break down a suspect’s resistance and illicit a confession, even in the absence of direct evidence.