Lies and coercion: Why psychiatrists should not participate in police and intelligence interrogations

Jeffrey S. Janofsky

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Police interrogators routinely use deceptive techniques to obtain confessions from criminal suspects. The United States Executive Branch has attempted to justify coercive interrogation techniques in which physical or mental pain and suffering may be used during intelligence interrogations of persons labeled unlawful combatants. It may be appropriate for law enforcement, military, or intelligence personnel who are not physicians to use such techniques. However, forensic psychiatry ethical practice requires honesty, striving for objectivity, and respect for persons. Deceptive and coercive interrogation techniques violate these moral values. When a psychiatrist directly uses, works with others who use, or trains others to use deceptive or coercive techniques to obtain information in police, military, or intelligence interrogations, the psychiatrist breaches basic principles of ethics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)472-478
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Volume34
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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