Michael Crowe's sister, a young teenager by the name of Stephanie Crowe, was stabbed to death in her home in the San Diego area some 10 years ago.  She was about 12 years old, and Michael was about 14.  Her parents found her on the floor dead, and eventually called 911 and the police.

To shorten this story and get to the point, her brother Michael was interrogated at police headquarters about the killing.  Police detectives can be seen on camera attempting to " force " the youth to confess to killing his sister. The video tape clearly shows the youth stating at least 10 times, " I didn't kill my sister ".  It's reported that one of the police detectives, a now retired cop named Ralph Claytor, insist that he had done it!  This case was soo outlandish and well-known that TRU.TV ( formerly Court TV ) aired a segment on it's program a few years ago.  It was big news in the San Diego, California area.  It's a textbook case of unfair and illegal tactics and tricks of some detecives that I use to demonstrate to citizens why they should invoke that right to remain silent!

Anyway, the police interrogated  (at the trial some psychiatrist and psycologist said it was torture ) this young scared child from 9:45 pm to 8: 00 am the next morning!  Later at trial, it was proven through DNA that someone else had murdered the young girl ( a man named Richard Tuite ).

This is my point:

Police officers are able to lawfully LIE to you to get a confession, and this is precisely why I've stated countless times that when questioned or interrogated, "shut your mouth".  Say but one thing, over and over, that you wish to see an attorney!  Police officers are "not" in many instances concerned with your innocence, only your guilt.  Promotions, awards, and accolades are riding on that interview!  Also, remember that they have mortgages, college tuitions, and bills to pay like you and I.  This is a job to them!

Some tactics:

1) They will say someone ratted you out or they have a witness ready to finger you, or even a video tape of the crime!

2) Bad cop, good cop switch. One cop will talk rough, and in some cases seem threatening while interviewing you. The other cop will be nice, almost like a father figure, encouraging you to do " what's right ".  By the way, sometimes they will even, especially the good cop, place his hands on your shoulders or legs. Politely ask him not to touch you.

3) They will interview you real close physically, like inches from your face ( a threat without words ).

4)  Repeatedly leave the room and return looking at papers or some new evidence they just got on you! ( intimidation tactic)

5)  Warn you of how much time the crime will cost you, but says he will talk to the judge to reduce the sentence. ( how nice of him )

6) Make promises that you won't serve time, or will only receive probation. ( It's actually illegal fot him to do this, only a judge can do this.  If he says it on tape, prosecute him! )

So as soon as you're approached by a police officer, or taken to an interrogation room, ask constantly for an attorney.  If the room is taped, watch how quick the interview will cease!  Matter of fact, make sure that other officers hear you say as you're led into the police department "that you wish an attorney".

Remember, you have a right "not" to incriminate yourself, and what you say WILL be used against you in court, not maybe used aginst you! 

If done properly, and you are prepared, they won't even attempt to interrogate you, knowing that you truly mean to invoke your right to remain silent.  Remember, some cops are good cops, but you don't know which is good!  Be careful all!