Analysts, Interpreters, and Intelligence Interrogations: Perceptions and Insights

Abstract

Summary Although analysts and interpreters have been recognized as critical members of human intelligence (HUMINT) interrogation teams, their perceptions of the interrogation process have yet to be explored in any systematic way. In a series of two studies, we interviewed a small number of highly experienced HUMINT analysts and surveyed a group of interpreters with experience supporting interrogations, about their experience with and perceptions of the interrogation process. We explored a variety of topics with each group, including training and selection, role and function, how best to utilize an analyst/interpreter, logistics (e.g., analyst models and interpreter placement), third‐party observations/feedback, perceived effectiveness of interrogation techniques, and team dynamics. The results of these studies may be used to establish, for the first time, baseline knowledge and reported best practices about the HUMINT interrogation process from the analyst and interpreter perspectives, which may ultimately influence training and practice models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.