Concerns and recommendations regarding the training of school administrators in interrogating students

ABSTRACT

School administrators who investigate student misconduct are offered training in accusatorial-style interrogation techniques that are frequently used in the U.S. to interview and interrogate adult criminal suspects. We review research showing the use of such accusatorial techniques to be problematic, especially with juveniles, as its coercive nature can lead an innocent individual to falsely confess. Highlighting research on adolescents’ cognitive and social immaturities, we specifically discuss the unique challenges present when questioning adolescents in a school setting, including difficulties in detecting deceit and lack of Miranda requirements. We conclude with recommendations for future research on developmentally appropriate training for questioning students and suggest school administrators and School Resource Officers seek alternative trainings.

KEYWORDS:

• Reid technique
• juvenile interrogation
• school resource officer
• developmental knowledge
• Miranda

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 There is an exception in cases in which school administrators are acting in the role of law enforcement in an attempt to circumvent the legal restrictions for SROs (see State v. Heirtzler).