What is a primary effect of the Reid Technique on suspects?

The primary effect of the Reid Technique on suspects is the application of psychological pressure to encourage confessions. The Reid Technique is designed to create an environment conducive to eliciting confessions by using various psychological strategies. This technique often involves establishing control over the conversation and employing tactics such as isolation and confrontation, making the suspect feel as though confessing is their most viable option.

By applying psychological pressure, interviewers aim to break down the suspect’s resistance and lead them toward admitting guilt, even in the absence of direct evidence. This contrasts with methods that would allow suspects to confess at their own pace, as the Reid Technique actively seeks to expedite the confession process through these pressures rather than providing a relaxed or comfortable environment. Furthermore, while it seeks to focus on factual elements during interrogation, the core aim is not solely about factual inquiry but about guiding the suspect toward confession through strategic psychological manipulation.