Research in Japan suggests that a ’relationship-based’ police interviewing style gets the best results

Award-winning research into police ing techniques in Japan reveals that a 'relationship-based' style may be particularly effective in eliciting true confessions. The research included the first ever study of Japanese offenders' views about police interrogation. An ing style in which interrogators listen closely and attempt to form good relationships with suspects is more likely to elicit true confessions. Research by Taeko Wachi In 1995 members of a religious cult called Aum Shinirikyo carried out a Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway that killed two station staff and injured several hundred people. One of those questioned by the police as a member of the cult was Dr Hayashi Ikuo. During s, Ikuo made a voluntary decision to confess his involvement in the attack. He was later sentenced to indefinite imprisonment.