ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What does Frazier v. Cupp address regarding police conduct during interrogations?

1. Police can use any means necessary for interrogation

2. Police deception is allowed if it aids in solving a case

3. Police deception during interrogation is not permitted

4. Only trained professionals can conduct interrogations

The correct answer is: Police deception during interrogation is not permitted

Frazier v. Cupp addresses the boundaries of permissible police conduct during interrogations, particularly focusing on the issue of deception. The ruling establishes that while police may use certain interrogation techniques, the use of deception has to be carefully evaluated within the context of the suspect’s rights and the overall fairness of the interrogation process. It emphasizes that interrogation practices must remain within ethical and legal limits to ensure that confessions or statements obtained are voluntary and not the result of coercion. This case underlines the principle that police cannot employ deceptive tactics that compromise a suspect’s understanding of their situation or undermine their will to resist self-incrimination. The ruling recognizes that allowing excessive deception can lead to unreliable confessions, thereby affecting not only the rights of the individual being interrogated but also the integrity of the justice system as a whole. In summary, the emphasis in the ruling is on safeguarding the rights of individuals during interrogations, making it clear that while some level of assertive police conduct is permissible, outright deception is unacceptable.