How the Police Generate False Confessions

Starred review from August 29, 2016
In this groundbreaking book on the U.S. criminal justice system, Trainum, a former Washington, D.C. police detective, argues for reform of police interviewing and interrogation practices. The confession is considered the gold standard for law enforcement, because "most people believe that they would never confess to a crime they did not do." Yet suspects, witnesses, and informants often feel that they have no other option. Trainum carefully demonstrates why in an era of minimum sentences, where the worst-case scenario can be significant jail time, registration as a sex offender, or even the death penalty, prosecutors have breathtaking power to hold a person's life in the balance. The best option for a suspect or witness may be a false confession, informing, or a plea bargain, especially when a long legal fight may drain a family bank account, or when a prosecutor offers a reduced sentence or jailhouse privileges as reward. Without reform, prosecutors, police, and investigators may soon discover that "harsh and verbally abusive interrogation tactics that focused solely on obtaining confessions... not only to false confessions but also to the negative perception of law enforcement by the public." Using numerous examples and backed by persuasive academic research, Trainum proposes a better way that is already at work in countries with similar criminal justice systems. His book will hit a nerve with a public newly concerned with abuses of police power, and hopefully will influence those tasked with law enforcement and public policy as well.

Starred review from November 15, 2016

The first step to solving any problem is realizing that it exists. This enlightening work by retired Washington, DC, police detective Trainum leaves no doubt that there are complications with false confessions and police interrogation techniques. Trainum walks readers through the steps police are taught to use in the interrogation room and the coercive methods that can lead to contamination of the interview and a false confession. His explanations are well supported with relevant and interesting case studies and previous research. He includes information on problems with statements from witnesses and informants and the role played by plea bargains and mandatory sentences. After presenting a thoroughly convincing portrait of the issue, Trainum provides "a better way" forward, outlining the PEACE method of interrogation and reviewing other safeguards, including videotaping of interviews. His 27 years of experience provide an insider's realistic, practical view, making this an especially important addition on the topic. VERDICT Essential for those working in the criminal justice system. It will also be of interest to the general public concerned with criminal justice issues and reform, as well as fans of police procedurals and true crime.--Theresa Muraski, Univ. of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Lib.

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