Question

Applying the Additional Material - The 1998 Interrogation of Michael Crowe for the Murder of his sister, Stephanie and the material in our text for the best practices of conducting an interrogation, please identify and describe two ways in which the interrogation of 14-year-old Michael Crowe as portrayed by the National Geographic video did not follow the best practices for interrogation as set out in our text. Please support your response.

Answer 1

The interrogation of Michael Crowe, as depicted in the National Geographic video, raises several concerns when evaluated against best practices for conducting interrogations, particularly with regards to the treatment of minors and the overarching principles of effective interrogation techniques.

1. Lack of Appropriate Adult Presence and Support: One of the fundamental best practices in interrogating minors is ensuring that they have an appropriate adult present to protect their rights and provide emotional support. In Michael Crowe's case, the interrogation occurred without a parent or legal guardian present, which is a violation of the guidelines for interrogating minors. Research consistently shows that the presence of an adult can significantly alter the dynamics of the interrogation, making the environment less intimidating for the child and helping to ensure that any statements made are voluntary and reliable. The absence of such support in Michael's case likely contributed to his discomfort and confusion throughout the interrogation process, which led to inconsistencies in his responses.

2. Use of Manipulative Techniques: The video highlights how the detectives employed manipulative techniques during the interrogation, including leading questions and presenting false evidence. Best practices emphasize the need for truthful and non-deceptive interrogation methods. In this case, the approach taken by the detectives—suggesting they had evidence that implicated Michael and creating an atmosphere of pressure—could easily lead a vulnerable 14-year-old to feel cornered, resulting in coerced or false confessions. The use of such tactics contradicts the ethical standards of interrogation that seek to gather accurate information without compromising the individual’s rights or psychological well-being.

These two aspects—the absence of an appropriate adult and the use of manipulative techniques—demonstrate significant shortcomings in the interrogation process of Michael Crowe, raising critical questions about the reliability of the information obtained and the justice served in this tragic case.