The public generally trusts police officers to uphold and fight for what’s right, but did you know that they can lie in order to obtain the truth? In fact, lying and manipulation are not only common tactics used by police, but these tactics are protected by the judicial system. If an authority can lie to you to get what they want, it may be a good idea to learn about the lies they can tell. Luckily, the Law Offices of Kevin Cahill is here to shine a light on the most common deceptions used in police investigations.
Lies About Evidence
Police can tell those they are interrogating that they have incriminating evidence that proves their guilt.
Under this lie, police say things like:
- “We have your fingerprints on the weapon.”
- “We found a hair at the crime scene, it matches your DNA.”
- “Your blood was found on the floor.”
Police lie about evidence for a couple of reasons. They could lie about incriminating evidence in hopes that the person being questioned will give information on another suspect, or they could lie in hopes that the suspect will willingly give a confession.
Lies About Tests
Cops can tell people a polygraph test will prove innocence or guilt when, in reality, a polygraph test cannot prove guilt or innocence. Additionally, officers will sometimes makeup fake tests and tell people that they have them, “dead to rights” when they “fail” the test.
Under this lie, police say things like:
- “The polygraph shows you just lied, which proves it was you.”
- “If you blink in the middle of a sentence that means you’re lying. So you just lied to me.”
Lies About Eyewitnesses
Similar to lies about evidence, police can say that an eyewitness saw a suspect commit a crime when, in reality, no eyewitness exists. This lie can put pressure on suspects to confirm or deny their whereabouts during the timeframe of the crime.
Under this lie, police say things like:
- “We have an eyewitness who can place you at the scene of the crime.”
- “We know you did it because someone saw you do it.”
Lies About Recording Conversations
Police have no obligation to tell someone if their conversation is being recorded, in fact, police can lie to people about recording their conversations. In some circumstances, police will bring a handheld recording device into an interrogation room, turn it off in front of a suspect, and say that the conversation is off the record: all while an active audio recorder sits inside the walls of the room. Therefore, it is never wise to trust when an officer says a conversation is off the record, especially during events like the Colorado labor day DUI crackdown. Similarly, just as you need to be cautious when told a conversation is ‘off the record,’ it’s important to understand when police are allowed to search your devices.
Under this lie, police say things like:
- “We aren’t recording this conversation, so you can speak freely.”
- “You just watched me turn of the recorder, so you can speak freely.”
Lies About the Consequences of Your Actions
Police can manipulate suspects into giving testimonies by using misleading language. Police can say interfering with a police investigation can result in serious consequences as a follow-up statement to someone’s silence (even though silence is a protected right.) Additionally, cops can tell suspects that if they cooperate with their line of questioning that they will tell the judge to go easy on your case.
Under this lie, police say things like:
- “If you tell us what happened now, it will be easier for you later.”
- “Obstructing an investigation is a criminal offense.” (In response to silence)
While cops uphold truth and justice, they clearly aren’t afraid to use deception to get what they want from suspects. If you or a loved one are arrested for any reason, it is crucial that you stay silent until you meet with a criminal defense attorney.
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