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Interrogation Techniques: A Historically Bad Idea, Scaring Suspects with a Skeleton
In 1930, inventor Helene Shelby patented a bizarre police interrogation device—a life-sized talking skeleton with glowing red eyes, designed to scare criminal suspects into confessing. Hidden cameras and microphones recorded the suspect’s reaction as the skeleton "spoke," creating what Shelby believed would be a foolproof confession tool. Though never used, this eerie interrogation tactic highlights a strange chapter in the history of confessions and coercive police technique

C. Edward
Nov 30, 202511 min read


A True Detective Story: Detective Frank Geyer
Detective Geyer’s relentless pursuit of justice unraveled Holmes’ web of deceit, leading to his conviction and execution.

Christian Cory
Nov 4, 20248 min read


Celebrating National First Responders Day: Honoring Our Everyday Heroes on October 28
Every October 28, National First Responders Day reminds us that behind every uniform is a human being operating under intense pressure. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics routinely face trauma, long hours, and high-stakes decisions that tax both memory and communication. Recognizing their service also means acknowledging the importance of mental health, effective support systems, and sound communication practices that help them perform—and recover—over the long ter

C. Edward
Oct 8, 20244 min read


Detective Days: Exploring Wensley's Impact and Historical Significance in Criminal Investigation (Free eBook)
Frederick Porter Wensley’s career at Scotland Yard offers enduring lessons for modern Criminal Investigation. Long before formal models or buzzwords, Wensley understood that information is the lifeblood of every case. His success came from patience, careful listening, and respect for evidence, not tricks or rigid systems. That same philosophy underpins today’s science-based approach: gather reliable information, avoid contamination, and seek understanding before conclusions.

C. Edward
Oct 5, 20249 min read


Interview and Interrogation: Supreme Court Cases Every Investigator Should Know
This article provides a practical reference to key U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) cases that shape modern interviewing and interrogation. Rather than legal analysis, it offers short narratives explaining what happened in each case and why statements matter. Together, these decisions highlight concerns about custody, pressure, and voluntariness. Science-Based Interviewing aligns with this framework by prioritizing ethical, research-driven information gathering over coercive inter

C. Edward
Apr 26, 20247 min read


When Confidence Becomes a Liability: Confirmation Bias and Science-Based Interviewing
Confirmation bias is predictable—but not unavoidable. Left unchecked, it distorts interviews, weakens investigations, and jeopardizes outcomes. Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) offers a practical path forward by using red teaming to challenge assumptions, test hypotheses, and counter confirmation bias and other cognitive errors. Through structured critical thinking, SBI strengthens objectivity, protects case integrity, and supports ethical, evidence-driven decision-making.

C. Edward
Aug 26, 20234 min read


National Police Week: History, Significance, and Why It Matters to Police Today
National Police Week, American History and Significance of National Police Week Each year, tens of thousands of police officers, family members, and supporters from across the United States and around the world travel to Washington, D.C. to observe National Police Week . This annual event holds deep meaning for the police profession, honoring local, state, tribal, and federal police officers who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. National Police Wee

Christian Cory
May 28, 20233 min read


The Fifth Amendment and Interrogation: What Does Plead the Fifth Have to do With Self-Incrimination?
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process. It also ensures grand jury indictments and fair compensation for property seized under eminent domain. These rights are crucial in criminal cases, especially during interrogation, where protections like Miranda warnings safeguard suspects from coercion and uphold justice.

C. Edward
May 7, 20234 min read


Brown v. Mississippi: A Landmark Case That Ended the Third Degree in Interrogation (1936)
Brown v. Mississippi marked a turning point: confessions obtained through brutal interrogation violate due process and are inadmissible.

Christian Cory
Nov 17, 20228 min read
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