Leading scholars in the fields of criminology and psychology have published the latest scientific review paper titled Police-Induced Confessions 2.0; Risk Factors and Recommendations. We were lucky to be joined by two of the authors on this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast.

Host Dave Thompson is joined by two guests, Dr. Hayley Cleary, and Dr. Chris Meissner as they delve into the complexities of interview techniques, false confessions, and the importance of collaboration between academic research and practical law enforcement. They discuss their personal journeys into the field, the evolution of interrogation methods, and the critical role of humility and communication in effective interviewing. The conversation highlights the weight of confessions in investigations and the need for ongoing research and training to improve practices in the field. This conversation delves into the psychology of interrogation, emphasizing the importance of an open-minded investigative approach. The speakers discuss how biases can affect the interrogation process, the significance of understanding risk factors, and the need for effective interviewing techniques. They highlight the shift towards science-based interviewing practices and provide recommendations for improving the reliability of information gathered during interrogations.

Read the Scientific Review Paper 2.0: APA PsycNet FullTextHTML page

Truths:

• Research should inform practical applications in interrogation.
• Confessions can heavily influence the perception of evidence.
• Ongoing training is necessary to adapt to new findings.
• Understanding human communication enhances interrogation techniques.
• The evolution of interrogation practices is ongoing.
• Laboratory research provides foundational insights for fieldwork.
• Curiosity drives both scientific and investigative inquiry.
• Building rapport is key to effective interviewing.
• The goal of an interview should be cooperation, not just a confession.
• Confessions can contaminate our opinion and affect judgments.
• Understanding risk factors is crucial for accurate information gathering.
• We need to reduce the use of accusatorial practices in interviews.
• Evidence-based suspicion can help protect innocent individuals.
• Collaboration between researchers and practitioners is essential for innovation.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments.

David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and adaptability in various roles throughout one's career. In this conversation, David Johnston and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of intentional communication, building rapport, and the role of the National Retail Federation (NRF) in advocating for the retail industry. They explore the challenges of networking in a digital age, the significance of genuine relationships, and the complexities of engaging with media and legislators. The discussion also highlights the upcoming NRF Protect event, emphasizing its value for learning and networking within the retail sector.

Connect with David Johnston here: David Johnston | LinkedIn

Register for NRF Protect 2025: Registration Information | NRF PROTECT 2025

Retailers - use discount code WZ200 to receive $200 off registration as a "thank you" for being a listener to the Truth Be Told podcast, courtesy of the NRF!

Truths:

• Communication is a core skill in any profession.
• Building relationships is essential for success.
• Continuous learning is crucial for career growth.
• Transitioning roles requires adaptability and new strategies.
• Franchise environments present unique challenges.
• Understanding cultural differences is key in global operations.
• Effective communication can help manage difficult conversations.
• Sales skills can be developed from interviewing techniques.
• Every conversation can be viewed as an opportunity to negotiate or sell.
• Plan conversations with clear intent and goals.
• Active listening and open-ended questions foster better communication.
• Engagement in meetings is crucial for effective communication.
• Genuine relationships lead to successful networking.
• Effective communication is key in high-stakes situations.
• Helping others achieve success leads to personal growth.

In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Jia Rizvi explore the intricacies of conversation, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the journey into filmmaking. They discuss the emotional toll of storytelling, the ethics involved in documentary filmmaking, and the importance of understanding the criminal justice system. Jia shares her personal experiences and insights gained from working with wrongfully convicted individuals, emphasizing the need for genuine representation and advocacy in storytelling. In this conversation, Jia and Dave explore the intricacies of interviewing in the true crime genre, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable environment for subjects to share their stories. They discuss the emotional weight of these narratives, the challenges of resistance from various parties, and the purpose behind documentary filmmaking, particularly in raising awareness about wrongful convictions. The conversation highlights the power of silence in interviews and the impact of media on public perception of justice.

Learn more about Jia here: Documentary Filmmaker | Jia Rizvi

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• Wrongful convictions have a profound impact on individuals and families.
• Filmmaking can be a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling.
• Understanding the criminal justice system is crucial for effective storytelling.
• Ethics in storytelling must be prioritized to avoid re-traumatizing subjects.
• Real stories deserve genuine representation without sensationalism.
• The emotional toll of filmmaking can be significant for creators.
• Advocacy for wrongfully convicted individuals is a driving force for many filmmakers.
• Personal experiences shape the passion for storytelling and advocacy. Creating a comfortable environment is key for interviews.
• Silence can encourage subjects to share more.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.
• Many people are unaware of the prevalence of wrongful convictions.
• Documentaries can significantly influence public perception.
• Interviewing requires a balance of structure and flow.
• Emotional narratives can be challenging to navigate.
• The impact of wrongful convictions extends beyond the individual.