Interrogating witnesses at a criminal trial can be one of the most difficult tasks for the defense attorney. In fact, the concept of interview might as well not exist. Interrogation is used frequently by police officers, investigative personnel, military personnel, security agencies, organized crime syndicate, and terrorist groups with the intention of eliciting specific information, especially information directly related to the case. Even ordinary citizens who witness crime or any other incident may be implicated if called to testify in a criminal case. It is therefore important that the process of interrogation be carefully planned and implemented.
Although police interrogations are considered to be legitimate techniques in gathering evidence, critics have raised questions about excessive use of force and the lack of procedural safeguards to protect the rights of the individuals being questioned. The United States Department of Justice under Presidents Nixon, Clinton, and Bush stated, "The use of rapport-building, including eliciting testimony, is a cornerstone of effective law enforcement." However, despite the significant advances in technology and training, wrongful police interrogation still occurs in the country. Often, there is an inadequate system in place to ensure that individual's rights are protected throughout the questioning process. In addition, some police departments have developed problematic relationships with the courts and legal professionals.
In recent years, the government has taken steps to reform its relationship with the investigating agency, known as the CIA. The CIA is responsible for ensuring the quality of CVA's provided by law enforcement agencies and providing oversight and technical support to the nation's law enforcement agencies. As such, many argue that the CIA needs to be more tightly focused on interrogations and far less concerned with how the process will impact their relationship with law enforcement agencies.
CIA/CIDA also play an important role in overseeing interrogations abroad. Over the past decade, many nations and states, such as Morocco, Egypt, have implemented strict laws restricting the use of force during interrogations. In response to these harsh measures, the United States State Department expressed concern over the restrictive measures being implemented against U.S. citizens who were subjected to abusive police techniques abroad. Concerned government officials suggested that Ciba's role in assisting foreign nationals facing torture in other countries should be expanded to include interrogations abroad.
As a result, the CIA has developed partnerships with the International Association of Criminal Police Officers, the National Association of Inspectors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Narcotics Control and Prevention Division, the Federal Court, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Peace Corps, and the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, the CIA is working with law enforcement agencies in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, South America, and New Zealand on interrogations and police interrogation methods that comply with U.S. standards. In addition, the CIA is conducting assessments of its own interrogations. Recently, the CIA was asked to review interrogations conducted in Iraq by U.S. military personnel.
Currently, there are approximately 20 qualified psychologists in the United States currently providing counseling services to law enforcement and intelligence personnel in various fields. In a July 2021 letter to then-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Rand Paul (R-Ky) stated; "I am extremely concerned that the practices overseas involving the use of torture continue to increase." Paul stated that he would be "particularly alarmed" if CIA was unable to prevent future instances of abusive interrogations in foreign countries. He also urged the Departments of State and Homeland Security to investigate CIA's interrogation strategies, training, and directives.
Interrogating foreign nationals who are suspected of committing crimes against Americans is inherently difficult. Often, individuals are subjected to prolonged questioning that can cause them physical pain, stress, fear, and psychological distress. Such interrogations should only take place when there is solid evidence supporting the U.S. attorney's case. Unfortunately, abusive interrogations are happening more often than we ever realized, with the results being devastating for the people being detained and questioned.
CIA interrogations should only be conducted when there is a real need for such aggressive tactics. abusive techniques should never be used on any person for any reason. The CIA should implement policies that require its agents to follow legal guidelines regarding interrogations. The Agency should train its agents in cooperation with local and state law enforcement agencies to prevent abusive and coercive tactics from occurring. We all must remember that the purpose of interrogation is to obtain trustworthy information from the enemy.