Is it advisable to state the investigator's desire to help the suspect during interrogation?

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. False
• D. Not sure

Answer: (C)

In interrogation, the key idea is to stay neutral and avoid signaling anything that could be seen as promising leniency or aid. Saying you want to help the suspect can create an impression that the investigator is on the suspect’s side and may reward cooperation. That raises concerns about voluntariness and reliability: the suspect might tailor their statements to gain that supposed help, rather than tell the truth. It can also undermine the integrity of the process and potentially affect the admissibility of any statements later on.

A professional approach is to focus on rights, safety, and obtaining information through non-coercive, factual questioning, while avoiding promises or special treatment. You can show respectful, empathetic conduct and build rapport without implying you will assist or leniently handle outcomes. If a suspect asks for help, direct them to appropriate resources, such as legal counsel.