The Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE)

The Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) is a technique used within SBI to enhance the effectiveness of obtaining information and eliciting truthful responses from interviewees, particularly suspects. This approach involves strategically presenting evidence to the suspect during the interview process in a calculated manner to encourage disclosure, clarification, or confession.

The SUE technique is grounded in principles of cognitive psychology, communication theory, and empirical research on persuasion and influence. It recognizes that individuals may be more inclined to provide information or admit to wrongdoing when presented with evidence that contradicts their denials or supports the truthfulness of their statements. However, the evidence's timing, nature, and presentation are crucial factors in determining its effectiveness.

The critical components of the SUE technique are:

Strategic Timing - The evidence is not presented immediately but strategically introduced at specific points during the interview when it is most likely to have the desired impact. This timing ensures that the evidence is used strategically to maximize its effectiveness in eliciting truthful responses.

Selective Presentation - Only relevant and credible evidence is presented to the interviewee. Irrelevant or weak evidence may undermine the credibility of the interviewer and detract from the effectiveness of the technique. Therefore, careful consideration is given to the selection and presentation of evidence to ensure its persuasiveness.

Incremental Disclosure - Rather than presenting all evidence at once, it is often more effective to disclose evidence incrementally, allowing the interviewer to gauge the interviewee's reactions and responses. This gradual approach can build momentum and increase the likelihood of obtaining further information or a confession.

Validation of Truthfulness - When presenting evidence that supports the truthfulness of the suspect's statements, it serves to validate their credibility and encourage continued cooperation. This validation can foster rapport and trust between the interviewer and interviewee, thereby facilitating the disclosure of additional information.

Confrontation of Discrepancies - When presenting evidence that contradicts the suspect's statements or reveals inconsistencies in their account, it confronts them with the reality of the situation and may prompt them to reconsider their denials. This confrontation can create cognitive dissonance, motivating the suspect to resolve the discrepancy by providing a more truthful account.

The effectiveness of the SUE technique lies in its ability to leverage the persuasive power of evidence while maintaining ethical standards and minimizing the risk of coercion or undue influence. By strategically using evidence in a calculated manner, interviewers can encourage disclosure, clarification, or confession from suspects, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the information obtained during investigative interviews.