"Because interrogations are intended to coerce confessions, interrogators feel themselves justified in using their coercive means. Consistency regarding the technique is not important; inducing anxiety and fear is the point"
- Aldrich Ames
About this Quote
This quote by Aldrich Ames recommends that interrogators want to utilize coercive methods to acquire confessions from those they are interrogating. This implies that the interrogators are not concerned with utilizing constant techniques, but rather with inducing fear and stress and anxiety in the person being interrogated. This suggests that the interrogators are willing to utilize whatever techniques they consider necessary to get the wanted result, no matter the ethical ramifications. This quote also indicates that the interrogators believe that their coercive tactics are warranted, as they are attempting to get a confession. This might be viewed as a form of psychological control, as the interrogators are attempting to control the individual being interrogated into admitting. Eventually, this quote suggests that interrogators are willing to use whatever methods they deem necessary to get the desired result, no matter the ethical implications.
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