166: Kevin Barrows | Think Like an FBI Interrogator

Planning

Investigative planning is crucial in tailoring strategies to the background of suspects and the nature of the crime. Kevin Barrows highlights the importance of understanding whether a suspect is a career criminal or a first-time offender, as this distinction significantly influences the approach. Career criminals are typically more savvy and require a different strategy compared to those who simply made a mistake 1. Barrows emphasizes the need to be the first interviewer to prevent suspects from building a defense, as initial reactions are often the most genuine 2.

Once you speak with somebody the first time, they build up their defense... Once that's built up, it's double and triple difficult to break that.

--- Kevin Barrows

This approach ensures that the investigation remains focused and effective.

   

Career Criminals

Handling career criminals requires a nuanced understanding of their motivations and tactics. Kevin Barrows explains that career criminals often have a deep familiarity with the system, making them more challenging to interrogate. They are adept at lying, which involves memorizing a script, whereas the truth is straightforward and consistent 3. Barrows stresses the importance of making suspects understand that covering up a crime is often worse than the crime itself, as it damages credibility and trust 4.

The continued cover-up and lying about it, is something that can never be tolerated because that reflects terrible credibility.

--- Kevin Barrows

This insight is vital for effectively managing interviews and ensuring truthful disclosures.