Deception Detection Part Two: Control through Questioning

June 24, 2017

Previously we discussed a few deception detection methods based on biometric and behavioral indicators. To recap, we established that such methods are not independently reliable for knowing when a subjecting is lying, but that they can be successfully employed to help with development of approach strategies. While it is important to know when someone is … More Deception Detection Part Two: Control through Questioning

Father’s Day 2017

June 18, 2017

I’d like to share some eloquent words about fatherhood and the significance of fathers to their families. So I’ll borrow words from people far more eloquent than me. Being a father has been, without a doubt, my greatest source of achievement, pride and inspiration. Fatherhood has taught me about unconditional love, reinforced the importance of … More Father’s Day 2017

TX HB 3859: Codifying Religious Discrimination?

June 17, 2017

Two days ago Texas passed HB 3859, “relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.” This bill is being panned as “patently discriminatory” bu the Human Rights Campaign and otehr civil rights groups. Some of the relevant text includes: Sec. 45.001.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the legislature … More TX HB 3859: Codifying Religious Discrimination?

Deception Detection Part One: Behavioral and Biometric Tools

June 16, 2017

As an intelligence officer dealing with the legal and effective conduct of intelligence interrogations, I was more than once involved in discussions regarding various behavioral or biometric analysis techniques for detecting deception, such as voice or handwriting analysis, neurolinguistic programming, kinesiology, polygraph, etc. There was and is no uniform agreement among the intelligence interrogation professionals with … More Deception Detection Part One: Behavioral and Biometric Tools

Violence is Not the Way to Handle Political Disagreements

June 15, 2017

I did not get an opportunity to weigh in on the shooting yesterday that put Representative Steve Scalise and lobbyist Matt Mika in critical condition, as well as wounding others less severely. I have a brief comment tonight. It has already been said, but bears repeating, that violence is not the way to settle political … More Violence is Not the Way to Handle Political Disagreements

Questioning Fundamentals

June 14, 2017

Originally posted on The View from the Armchair:
When most folks think of interrogation, they think of their favorite police shows, they think of the old “good-cop/bad-cop” routine, they think of criminal confessions, or they think of “making someone talk” through various and sundry unpleasant methods. Popular culture has cemented these ideas in our collective…

Interrogation & Torture

June 13, 2017

The debate about what constitutes torture, and about whether torture is sometimes justified, seems at times to be overdone. We historically examine, then repudiate, instances of abuse and torture, and occasionally even enact or reinforce legislation making our country’s position more clear. However, without fail, after the issue is seemingly put to bed, something occurs … More Interrogation & Torture

Comey Testimony: What was new?

June 8, 2017

Former FBI Director Comey sat before the Senate Intelligence Committee today to discuss his firing, Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election, whether the President may have been under investigation, and whether the President might have attempted to influence open investigations. The full text is available from Politico, and his written remarks were widely circulated … More Comey Testimony: What was new?