Are the Police Allowed to Lie to Me?

Imagine growing up think that the police are always the good guys. “To protect and serve” is frequently scrawled across their squad cars. So it can come as a shock to some but not all that not only do police officers lie during interrogations, they are actually trained and encouraged to do so by theirs supervisors, the prosecutors and even the Judges. If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota and an interrogation was a part of your criminal case, you really should sit down with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

“Not only do police officers lie during interrogations, they are actually trained and encouraged to do so by their supervisors and the Court system.”

Yes, the police really do lie.

When police cadets go to the academy, they are taught interrogation techniques. Some of those techniques involve lying in order to get a confession. They will also threaten family members with arrest and prosecution if they think it will be effective. They will even claim evidence that does not exist. They will claim they know this, that and the other, regardless of whether it is true or not. These techniques are sometimes called "deceptive interrogation" or "trickery," and used to get confessions. Not only is this taught but it is encouraged up the chain of command and officers are awarded for using these techniques, prosecutors happily use this evidence and Judges are just fine with putting it before a jury regardless of its coercive nature.

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that police deception during interrogations is permissible and acceptable so long as those tactics applied by the officers don’t violate a suspect's constitutional rights. However, this can be slippery. While there are limits, the police frequently will follow up to “fix their mistakes.” Of course, once the proverbial cow is out of the barn, does it really matter?

Anytime you are confronted by the police, whether it is on the street, in your home or in an interrogation room at the police station, it is critical to remember that you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Trust me, they will come at you claiming all sorts of things. Some might be true while some could just as easily be a lie. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can change the dynamic completely.

“The police can promise to put in a good word with the prosecutor but that doesn’t mean anything. I guarantee they will let them know about the confession though.”

If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, it is important consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience dealing with police officer behavior and the limits to that behavior. because interrogations and admissions can be some of the most important and power evidence against a defendant, this issue may be critical in your case.

Jack Rice is a former prosecutor, former CIA Officer and Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Jack is also the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.