Leading scholars in the fields of criminology and psychology have published the latest scientific review paper titled Police-Induced Confessions 2.0; Risk Factors and Recommendations.  We were lucky to be joined by two of the authors on this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast.

Host Dave Thompson is joined by two guests, Dr. Hayley Cleary, and Dr. Chris Meissner as they delve into the complexities of interview techniques, false confessions, and the importance of collaboration between academic research and practical law enforcement. They discuss their personal journeys into the field, the evolution of interrogation methods, and the critical role of humility and communication in effective interviewing. The conversation highlights the weight of confessions in investigations and the need for ongoing research and training to improve practices in the field. This conversation delves into the psychology of interrogation, emphasizing the importance of an open-minded investigative approach. The speakers discuss how biases can affect the interrogation process, the significance of understanding risk factors, and the need for effective interviewing techniques. They highlight the shift towards science-based interviewing practices and provide recommendations for improving the reliability of information gathered during interrogations.

Read the Scientific Review Paper 2.0:  APA PsycNet FullTextHTML page

Truths:

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments.

David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and adaptability in various roles throughout one's career. In this conversation, David Johnston and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of intentional communication, building rapport, and the role of the National Retail Federation (NRF) in advocating for the retail industry. They explore the challenges of networking in a digital age, the significance of genuine relationships, and the complexities of engaging with media and legislators. The discussion also highlights the upcoming NRF Protect event, emphasizing its value for learning and networking within the retail sector.

Connect with David Johnston here: David Johnston | LinkedIn

Register for NRF Protect 2025: Registration Information | NRF PROTECT 2025

Retailers - use discount code WZ200 to receive $200 off registration as a "thank you" for being a listener to the Truth Be Told podcast, courtesy of the NRF!

Truths:

In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Jia Rizvi explore the intricacies of conversation, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the journey into filmmaking. They discuss the emotional toll of storytelling, the ethics involved in documentary filmmaking, and the importance of understanding the criminal justice system. Jia shares her personal experiences and insights gained from working with wrongfully convicted individuals, emphasizing the need for genuine representation and advocacy in storytelling. In this conversation, Jia and Dave explore the intricacies of interviewing in the true crime genre, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable environment for subjects to share their stories. They discuss the emotional weight of these narratives, the challenges of resistance from various parties, and the purpose behind documentary filmmaking, particularly in raising awareness about wrongful convictions. The conversation highlights the power of silence in interviews and the impact of media on public perception of justice.

Learn more about Jia here: Documentary Filmmaker | Jia Rizvi

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In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson engages with Matt Halloran to explore the critical role of listening in effective communication. They discuss the undervalued skill of listening, the importance of silence, and how engaged listening can transform personal and professional relationships. Matt shares insights from his experiences, including his background in therapy and financial services, emphasizing that listening is not just about hearing words but understanding the underlying emotions and intentions. The conversation also touches on practical exercises to improve listening skills and the different types of communicators. In this conversation, Matt Halloran discusses various communication styles and the importance of adapting to different conversational dynamics. He introduces the metaphor of different types of 'divers' to illustrate how people engage in conversations, emphasizing the need for active listening and holding space for emotions. The discussion also touches on the significance of silence in communication and how these principles apply in both face-to-face and digital interactions. Halloran provides practical tips for improving conversational skills and building rapport, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of listening.

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Matt Halloran | Shut The F Up

Shut the F Up and Listen

Matt Halloran on LinkedIn

Truths:

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson speaks with Chad Porter, who shares his inspiring journey from being a star athlete to surviving a life-altering accident. The conversation delves into the power of choice, the impact of Chad's athletic background, the day of the accident, and the aftermath that followed. Chad reflects on the importance of free will, the support of his family, and how he turned a traumatic experience into a message of hope and resilience for others. In this conversation, Chad Porter shares his profound journey of resilience and healing after a life-altering accident. He discusses the emotional masks people wear, the importance of facing reality, and the power of humor in overcoming adversity. Chad emphasizes the significance of treating others with kindness and understanding, as everyone is fighting their own battles. He reflects on his transition from personal struggle to inspiring others through storytelling, highlighting the impact of genuine connection and support. Throughout the dialogue, he offers insights on maintaining mental health and the universal messages of hope and perseverance that resonate across different audiences.

Learn more about Chad at ChadPorter.org

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Truths:

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, a pioneer in memory research, discusses the complexities of memory accuracy, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimony and its implications for wrongful convictions. The conversation explores how various factors, including questioning techniques and social influences, can distort memories, leading to significant consequences in legal settings. Loftus shares insights from her foundational research on eyewitness memory, emphasizing the importance of understanding memory fallibility in both personal and legal contexts. In this conversation, Elizabeth Loftus discusses the complexities of memory, including the factors that influence memory accuracy, the controversies surrounding memory retrieval, and the implications of false memories in therapeutic settings. She emphasizes the malleability of memories, the importance of context in recall, and the ethical considerations of memory modification. Loftus also shares personal insights on how her research impacts her daily life and offers advice for both researchers and laypeople regarding memory awareness.

Truths:

·       Memory accuracy is influenced by many factors, including emotions and questioning.

·       Eyewitness misidentification is a significant cause of wrongful convictions.

·       People often believe their memories are accurate, even when they are not.

·       Leading questions can alter a witness's memory of an event.

·       Witnesses can contaminate each other's memories through discussion.

·       Social media can spread misinformation that affects memory recall.

·       The wording of questions can significantly impact the responses given by witnesses.

·       Expert testimony focuses on the reliability of memory, not the outcome of cases.

·       Memory can change over time, especially with repeated questioning.

·       Understanding memory fallibility is crucial in legal and personal contexts. Memory accuracy is influenced by various factors at different stages.

·       Controversies exist around memory retrieval methods and their implications.

·       Contextual cues can aid in memory recall but are not always reliable.

·       Flashbulb memories, while vivid, can change over time.

·       Questioning someone's memory can lead to discomfort and defensiveness.

·       Therapeutic practices can unintentionally create false memories.

·       Memory modification raises ethical questions about its application.

·       People often distort their own memories for self-enhancement.

·       False memories can appear detailed and emotional, complicating their validation.

·       It's important to approach memory discrepancies with understanding, not suspicion.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson engages in a deep conversation with James Harris, a former police officer turned senior lecturer. They explore James's transition from law enforcement to academia, the intricacies of investigative interviewing, the importance of empathy in communication, and the challenges of navigating diversity in policing. James shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the need for understanding and rapport in interviews, as well as the impact of past experiences on individuals' interactions with law enforcement. In this conversation, James and Dave explore the intricate balance between empathy and assertiveness in law enforcement, the critical role of interview advisors, and the importance of understanding the interview process. They discuss the 'WISCI' framework for managing witness interviews during critical incidents and emphasize the mental wellness of investigators. The conversation wraps up with insights on decision-making in investigative work, highlighting the need for fairness and justification in actions taken during investigations.

Truths:

Can you imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit? Even worse, imagine this happening while outside your home country - and in a language you don't fully understand.  What would you do?

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson speaks with Amanda Knox about her life after the wrongful conviction that changed her life - and made international headlines.

They discuss the challenges of reclaiming her story, the impact of social media on public perception, and the importance of remembering the victims in wrongful conviction cases.

Amanda shares her experiences leading up to the tragic murder of her friend Meredith Kercher and the chaotic aftermath that followed, including the media's misinterpretation of her reactions and the struggle for truth in a polarized and misinformed world. In this conversation, Amanda Knox shares her harrowing experience of wrongful conviction and the psychological impact of her interrogation. She discusses the assumptions made by investigators, the tactics used during her interrogation, and the broader implications of false confessions. Knox emphasizes the importance of understanding the trauma associated with wrongful convictions and the need for reform in interrogation practices. The conversation also touches on the media narratives that shaped public perception and the ongoing consequences for those wrongfully accused.

Learn more about Amanda's work on her website and check out her podcast, Labryinths. 

Truths:

Part 2 of this series brings you to the trial preparation of an attempted murder case, with the defendant facing a potential life sentence.  We'll hear the emotional perspective of the attorneys throughout the life of the case and explore the psychology of false confessions.  This episode also highlights the work of a false confession expert as we discussed how lying about evidence and contamination during an interrogation can lead to unreliable results.

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of trial preparation for attempted murder?  In this two-part Special Edition of the Truth Be Told podcast, we explore a case from 2014 out of Brooklyn, NY where heroes from FDNY rescued two young children who were trapped inside a burning apartment.  As the flames subsided, the investigation ensued, and police were pointed at a primary suspect for the alleged arson.  Once in custody, the police conducted an interrogation which produced a controversial confession to the incident.  This resulted in the defendant facing multiple charges of attempted murder, assault and arson with the potential of spending life in prison.

However, as the legal team of Adam Heyman, Anna Carlsen and Sarah Siegel learned more about their assigned case – it was not as open and shut as it seemed.  This team of attorneys joined the Truth Be Told podcast to give their perspective on how they reviewed the case, prepared for trial and ultimately represented their client.  The team also brought in Maria Hartwig, PhD, an expert in false confessions and police interrogation techniques to provide her opinion to the court on the reliability of the confession that loomed over their case.  Professor Hartwig also joins the panel to share the research behind false confessions and the common contributors, such as misclassification, coercion and contamination.

This two-part episode is intended to provide you the insight and perspective from the legal team of the defendant, and understanding how an expert witness is effectively used at trial.  For investigators, this series also provides several takeaways on how to ensure evidence is collected appropriately and can be relied on for further investigation or prosecution.  Our hope is to provide future jurors, investigators, attorneys and anyone involved in the courtroom working group with a new perspective on how our system is built on the foundational premise of “innocent until proven guilty."

 *Disclaimer: This podcast series does not represent a comprehensive review of the investigation into this case, but rather highlights the perspective of the defense team.  There are no assertions made by the Truth Be Told podcast as to the integrity of the investigation itself or the reliability of the statements provided by involved parties.  We encourage listeners to review all the information and formulate their own opinion relative to the case but with a more enlightened perspective provided by our panel of guests.

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of trial preparation for attempted murder?  In this two-part Special Edition of the Truth Be Told podcast, we explore a case from 2014 out of Brooklyn, NY where heroes from FDNY rescued two young children who were trapped inside a burning apartment.  As the flames subsided, the investigation ensued, and police were pointed at a primary suspect for the alleged arson.  Once in custody, the police conducted an interrogation which produced a controversial confession to the incident.  This resulted in the defendant facing multiple charges of attempted murder, assault and arson with the potential of spending life in prison.

However, as the legal team of Adam Heyman, Anna Carlsen and Sarah Siegel learned more about their assigned case – it was not as open and shut as it seemed.  This team of attorneys joined the Truth Be Told podcast to give their perspective on how they reviewed the case, prepared for trial and ultimately represented their client.  The team also brought in Maria Hartwig, PhD, an expert in false confessions and police interrogation techniques to provide her opinion to the court on the reliability of the confession that loomed over their case.  Professor Hartwig also joins the panel to share the research behind false confessions and the common contributors, such as misclassification, coercion and contamination.

 This two-part episode is intended to provide you the insight and perspective from the legal team of the defendant, and understanding how an expert witness is effectively used at trial.  For investigators, this series also provides several takeaways on how to ensure evidence is collected appropriately and can be relied on for further investigation or prosecution.  Our hope is to provide future jurors, investigators, attorneys and anyone involved in the courtroom working group with a new perspective on how our system is built on the foundational premise of “innocent until proven guilty."

Disclaimer: This podcast series does not represent a comprehensive review of the investigation into this case,but rather highlights the perspective of the defense team.  There are no assertions made by the Truth Be Told podcast as to the integrity of the investigation itself or the reliability of the statements provided by involved parties.  We encourage listeners to review all the information and formulate their own opinion relative to the case but with a more enlightened perspective provided by our panel of guests.