History of: Interrogation Tactics

Coworkers & Crime — History of Interrogation TacticsEpisode Summary In this “History of” episode, Rachel and Krystal unpack how police interrogation evolved from the brutal “third degree” era to modern psychological techniques — and why Miranda warnings didn’t end coercive questioning. They break down the Reid Technique, the rise of “double questioning” (two-step interrogation), and the Supreme Court decisions that shaped what police can (and can’t) do. They also cover Vega v. Tekoh (2022) and why Miranda violations don’t automatically create grounds to sue for damages — leaving suppression at trial as the main remedy.What We Cover (Quick Hits)From the “third degree” to psychological interrogation methodsThe Reid Technique and why it can be risky when misusedMiranda’s limits + the two-step/double questioning workaroundKey Supreme Court cases: Brown, Ashcraft, Spano, Elstad, Seibert, Bobby, and VegaFalse confessions, vulnerability factors, and why this still matters todayOffice rule of the day: Never talk alone (get counsel)Cases & References MentionedWickersham Commission (1931) — documented abusive interrogation practicesBrown v. Mississippi (1936) — confessions from torture ruled unconstitutionalAshcraft v. Tennessee (1944) — coercive conditions without physical violenceSpano v. New York (1959) — psychological pressure + vulnerability mattersMiranda v. Arizona (1966) — required warnings in custodial interrogationOregon v. Elstad (1985) — warned confession may be admissible after unwarned statementMissouri v. Seibert (2004) — deliberate two-step can undermine MirandaBobby v. Dixon (2011) — Seibert applies when the two-step is intentionalVega v. Tekoh (2022) — no civil damages for Miranda violations via §1983Key TakeawaysCoercion isn’t just physical — psychological pressure counts too.Miranda warnings don’t guarantee a confession is truly voluntary.Two-step interrogation hinges on intent to bypass Miranda.After Vega v. Tekoh, suppression is often the only remedy — which raises real concerns when someone is never convicted but still harmed.Easter Eggs / Community BitsListener code words: “Lego Man” vs “Run Club” Upcoming guests teased — starting with your OG true-crime buddy!Connect With UsEmail: [email protected] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1G4UhP9odP/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoworkersCrimePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coworkersandcrime/##CoworkersAndCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #Interrogation #MirandaRights #CriminalJustice #FalseConfessions #SupremeCourt #LegalHistory #PoliceInterrogation #TwoStepInterrogation #ReidTechnique