FBI INTERROGATIONS
During his almost 35-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI]—including more than two decades of service working as a street agent—JAMES J. WEDICK has been responsible for “interviewing” and/or “interrogating” hundreds of suspects. Whether the individuals were suspect bank robbers or longtime veterans of the California State Senate charged in “bribery” scheme, Mr. WEDICK has conducted numerous FBI interrogations—many involving trying or difficult circumstances lasting 15 to 20-hours in duration.
While some suspects have declined an interview—preferring instead to speak with an attorney—others because of their position or circumstances have agreed to an interview giving Mr. WEDICK many hours of experience conducting FBI interrogations.
When making contact with a suspect for an interview/interrogation, Mr. WEDICK states agents should be prepared to discuss every aspect of the investigation, as well as have a good understanding of a crime’s legal elements. Being just familiar with an investigation versus well-prepared, he says might be acceptable if you’re just looking for information, but not if you want to conduct an “interrogation.” Since most suspects can sense when an investigator is fumbling for facts, Mr. WEDICK states only well-prepared agents should attempt an interrogation. In order to be successful, most suspects need to sense investigators are thorough—discussing at length an alibi or prepared to ask detailed questions—otherwise a suspect will have an eye on the clock thinking just one more question and, maybe, the interview will be over.
Because “lying” breeds distrust, he says investigators should resist using the tactic. He also thinks “bluffing” suggests investigators are mere card players engaged in a poker game versus law enforcement conducting an investigation. If a suspect discovers agents are “bluffing,” or worse yet “lying,” he says the revelation can very easily derail an interrogation with the suspect demanding to speak with an attorney. Consequently, he thinks investigators should stick to the facts versus lie or bluff. He also thinks treating a suspect with respect and dignity will do more to induce a suspect to cooperate than any curse words or shouting. And because he’s conducted numerous FBI interrogations, he says when a suspect cooperates it’s usually because he/she has been treated with respect—not because agents were demeaning and/or disrespectful.
Attorneys seeking assistance concerning FBI interrogations or interviews are encouraged to make contact early. Because he needs time to review police reports and/or statements—including video and/or audio tapes—Mr. WEDICK cautions against waiting till the last minute to request assistance. Using the FBI’s two operating manuals and/or legal handbook, he says he can readily provide a professional opinion and/or testimony concerning FBI interrogations and/or Bureau interviews and whether agents followed generally accepted FBI Policies & Procedures.
