Lying to the police could get an innocent person in trouble. Ironically, if the police lie to a suspect, the suspect could face decades in jail while the officers face no sanctions. Deceptive practices sometimes lead to the police securing confessions in Indiana criminal cases. Regrettably, the confession might be a false one derived from deceptive tactics. Such methods may not be allowed one day as a movement to end police deception continues to grow.
Ending lying during interrogations
When someone confesses to a crime, recanting the confession is possible. Even so, the recanted confession might remain admissible evidence. The defendant’s legal team must now convince a jury that the confession doesn’t tell the truth, a step that can be challenging. Sadly, the false confession might result from the police outright lying during an interrogation.
An officer could lie about witnesses and discovered evidence. Sometimes, the police lie about evidence to procure statements that only the perpetrator would know. In today’s era of criminal justice reform, advocates and lawmakers are moving to make changes to this practice. Illinois and Oregon represent two states that want to end or restrict the use of deceptive interrogation tactics.
Other states might move to end such practices, and activists intend to raise awareness about their cause. Things may change dramatically in the coming years to improve protections for those facing criminal charges.
Dealing with interrogations
Suspects in a criminal case have the right to remain silent, but many don’t exercise their constitutional rights. Others don’t realize they need not be under arrest or formally interrogated to invoke the right to remain silent. They might not request defense counsel when interrogated, another potentially regrettable decision.
A phone call asking someone to come to the station to talk to the police may eventually end in a long prison sentence. Sadly, deceptive tactics may play a role in that outcome. It’s important for everyone to understand their rights to avoid making incriminating statements or falsely confessing because police used deception.
