Recent DNA exonerations have shed light on the problem that people sometimes confess to crimes they did not commit. Drawing on police practices, laws concerning the admissibility of confession evidence, core principles of psychology, and forensic studies involving multiple methodologies, this White Paper summarizes what is known about police-induced confessions. In this review, we identify suspect characteristics (e.g., adolescence; intellectual disability; mental illness; and certain personality traits), interrogation tactics (e.g., excessive interrogation time; presentations of false evidence; and minimization), and the phenomenology of innocence (e.g., the tendency to waive Miranda rights) that influence confessions as well as their effects on judges and juries. This article concludes with a strong recommendation for the mandatory electronic recording of interrogations and considers other possibilities for the reform of interrogation practices and the protection of vulnerable suspect populations.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID1596284_code797450.pdf?abstractid=1483878&type=2

Police-Induced Confessions: Risk Factors and Recommendations

http://www.payne-james.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Healthcare-issues-of-detainees-in-police-custody-in-London-UK.pdf

Healthcare issues of detainees in police custody in London, UK

Over the past three decades much has been learned about the role and importance of psychological vulnerabilities in the context of unreliability of information obtained during police interviews. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge and explains why vulnerabilities are important. Psychological vulnerabilities are best construed as potential ‘risk factors’ rather than definitive markers of unreliability. They are important, because they may place witnesses, victims, and suspects at a disadvantage in terms of coping with the demand characteristics of the interview (and subsequent Court process) and being able to provide the police with salient, detailed, accurate, and coherent answers to questions. Early identification of relevant and pertinent vulnerabilities in the interview process helps to ensure fairness and justice. Currently, the identification of vulnerabilities is poor, and even when identified, they are not always acted upon. Nevertheless, England has taken the lead in improving the police interview process and the protection of vulnerable interviewees. More work needs to be done, but the Bradley Report recommendations represent an excellent opportunity for police and health care professionals to work together to improve justice for all. This is the key initial interface that will be vital for reducing future miscarriages of justice.

Psychological vulnerabilities during police interviews. Why are they important

Worldwide, there is a high risk of medical complications or death in police custody. This risk is often increased by unclear legislation, a lack of clearly defined responsibility and medical examination standards. Any solution to these problems requires as a very basis the systematic analysis of the medical examinations that determine whether a person is fit to be detained in custody. We analysed a total of 3,674 medical records on fitness for custody, taken from two large German towns (Halle/S and Bremen). The examined individuals were predominantly males or of a younger age. The indication in the majority of cases was acute alcoholic intoxication or drug withdrawal syndromes. Traumata and internal or mental diseases were also quite frequent. For approximately 50% of all cases, fitness for custody was declared on certain conditions. Only 39.8% were found to be unconditionally fit for detention in custody. In just under 10% of the cases, the person was found unfit for custody. These cases concerned mainly persons with psychological symptoms and advanced alcohol or drug withdrawal syndromes. We were able to show that the recent introduction of new police custody regulations in Halle/S had a significant influence on the medical decision on fitness for custody. Our detailed assessment has provided us with the basis to develop solutions for the improvement of medical care in police custody. The focus lies here on the organisation and legal regulation of the medical aspects of custody but also on policing and medical work.

Medical examination of fitness for police custody in two large German towns

http://www.payne-james.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Patterns-of-illicit-drug-use-of-prisoners-in-police-custody-in.pdf

Patterns of illicit drug use of prisoners in police custody in London, UK

Oxford Handbook of Forensic Medicine

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) may be asked by the police to assess the fitness for detention in police custody of adults and juveniles arrested in connection with an offense; those detained by immigration; individuals requiring a place of safety (children and the mentally ill); remanded or sentenced (convicted) prisoners; or those detained under terrorism legislation. A person in police custody is referred to as a detainee in this chapter. Detainees may have to be interviewed regarding their involvement in an offense and possibly further detained overnight for court; guidance may therefore have to be given to the custodians regarding their care.

Care of Detainees

The validity of self-reported substance misuse amongst detained persons in police custody.

Leda and the Swan--and other myths about rape.

The custodial interrogation of suspects is an essential component of all systems of criminal investigation. The confessions and other incriminating statements that are obtained during these interrogations have always played an important role in prosecutions and continue to be relied on as evidence of guilt in a substantial number of trials.

Guy A. Norfolk

Papers

Oxford Handbook of Forensic Medicine

Care of Detainees

The validity of self-reported substance misuse amongst detained persons in police custody.

Leda and the Swan--and other myths about rape.

Fitness to Be Interviewed