Which activity marks the second major phase of the interrogation process?

• A. Direct positive confrontation
• B. Development of a theme
• C. Promise of leniency
• D. Conclusion of the interview

Answer: (B)

In interrogation, after you’ve gathered information and assessed what’s known, the next major phase focuses on shifting the suspect’s mindset by offering a plausible explanation or justification for the offense. This is the development of a theme: you present a reason or rationale that makes the act seem understandable or not as blameworthy, often implying that the consequences will be limited if the suspect cooperates. This helps reduce resistance and makes a confession more likely, because the suspect begins to see a path to a lighter outcome rather than a worst-case scenario.

Direct positive confrontation, while important, is used after the theme is established to push the suspect toward admitting guilt, not as the second phase itself. Concluding the interview is simply ending the session. Promises of leniency are a tactic that can appear within the theme, but the essential second phase is the development of that theme.