HomeMany thanks to Julian who, in response to my post “Police Sent on Hypnosis Courses“, reminded:
Hailing from the UK, I wouldn’t take this story too seriously, and I agree with your comments and the others here. Our judicial system is just as cautious as the US.
Start by looking at this.
A story like this appears in the press simply because the press will always aim to sensationalise even the most trivial of stories, to sell newspapers.
I know this and normally when I read things written by US papers I try to double-check to make certain the story isn’t an isolated one. For some reason, this seemed to be straightforward information and I simply neglected to dig deeper.
According to the Daily Mail
A spokesman for Cheshire police said: ‘Cheshire Constabulary do not utilise any form of hypnosis techniques. The views expressed in the Police Review are the personal views of PC Mark Hughes and not the view of the Cheshire Constabulary. Furthermore, the training is not funded by Cheshire Constabulary.’
Thanks again, Julian, and to everyone else who commented. I do love comments ;)
February 6th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Lady Julia
Thank you very much for the mention. It was a pleasure to contribute.
Ironically, the Daily Mail is one of our more sensationalist and reactionary papers, and is a favourite target of satirists, but the quote from the Cheshire constabulary you found is accurate and fairly reflects the general position in the UK.
Whatever the significance of the story, your blog entry could lead on to an interesting study into the relationship between the police and a suspect or witness, and the boundary between intelligent well prepared logic and evidence-based investigation and questioning, and the improper use of dominance and techniques of suggestion; but generally, even if hypnosis or EEG or some other technique were introduced, I think that, but for a tiny minority, the individuals in our police forces would be decent, patient, dedicated, and professional, and, I would like to believe, would use only exceptionally any technique potentially open to abuse.
Just as we know you to be professional and principled, when people share their minds with you.
Regards
Julian
February 6th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Julian, I believe you are correct the vast majority of public servants are just there trying to do the best they can as honestly as they can. Unfortunately, the few who abuse things make it necessary to limit as much as possible any potential sources of abuse.