Moston, Stephen, and Stephenson, Geoffrey (2009) A typology of denial strategies by suspects in criminal investigations. In: Bull, Ray, Valentine, Tim, and Williamson, Tom, (eds.) Handbook of Psychology of Investigative Interviewing: Current Developments and Future Directions. Wiley, Chichester, UK, pp. 17-34.

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Abstract

In this chapter we propose a typology of denials made by suspects in police interviews. This is an important forensic topic, first, because police officers need to consider in advance of an interview the likely strategies that might be adopted by those who intend to deceive them concerning their involvement in a criminal offence. Can officers nullity such attempts before the suspect commits to such a strategy? How should they respond if such a denial is not averted? Secondly, and perhaps more important still, is the ability to distinguish between the denials of those intent on deceit and those who are genuinely innocent of any involvement. Should all denials be treated with scepticism? Or should all denials be taken at face value pending discovery of contradictory evidence? Should denials be welcomed on the grounds that evidence will subsequently be used to prove the intention to deceive? Or should denials best be circumvented by adroit questioning, in the hope that a confession will subsequently be elicited?

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