Police encounters can be stressful for Indiana residents. This fact becomes especially relevant when the resident is a suspect in a criminal investigation. But suspects who understand a few things about how police officers operate while investigating a crime will likely fare better than those who do not.

THE USE OF DISHONESTY

Individuals that lie to police officers risk additional criminal prosecution. But there is no criminal law statute that prohibits police offers from lying to civilians. People encountering the police should know that officers are not shy about using their right to lie. For example, an undercover police officer will deny being a police officer to anyone that asks. Officers will also lie about why they are questioning a person or the evidence they possess at the time of questioning.

BE CAREFUL OF ACTS OF KINDNESS

A police officer offering you refreshments may possess no concern for your thirst. Offering a suspect a glass of water after hours spent in an interrogation room is a great way to obtain a DNA sample without a court order.

CONFESSIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE LENIENCY

Criminal suspects often hear promises of leniency in exchange for their cooperation and ultimate confession. A confession will not change the charges a suspect receives. Additionally, police officers have no power to affect punishment after filing charges. A confession only serves to bolster the case of the prosecution.

OFF-RECORD COMMENTS

A police officer telling you that a statement you make to them is off the record is only exercising the right to lie discussed above. Every word a suspect speaks to a police officer can be used to support their prosecution. A police officer will inform suspects when arresting them of their right to remain silent. But words spoken before an arrest takes place can also become ammunition for the prosecution.

Individuals accused of a criminal offense will need to defend themselves to protect against the potential fallout. A lawyer can be of assistance in this regard.