<P> The Reid technique's nine steps of interrogation are: </P> <Ol> <Li> Direct confrontation . Advise the suspect that the evidence has led the police to the individual as a suspect . Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place . </Li> <Li> Try to shift the blame away from the suspect to some other person or set of circumstances that prompted the suspect to commit the crime . That is, develop themes containing reasons that will psychologically justify or excuse the crime . Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive . </Li> <Li> Try to minimize the frequency of suspect denials . </Li> <Li> At this point, the accused will often give a reason why he or she did not or could not commit the crime . Try to use this to move towards the acknowledgement of what they did . </Li> <Li> Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive . </Li> <Li> The suspect will become quieter and listen . Move the theme discussion towards offering alternatives . If the suspect cries at this point, infer guilt . </Li> <Li> Pose the "alternative question", giving two choices for what happened; one more socially acceptable than the other . The suspect is expected to choose the easier option but whichever alternative the suspect chooses, guilt is admitted . As stated above, there is always a third option which is to maintain that they did not commit the crime . </Li> <Li> Lead the suspect to repeat the admission of guilt in front of witnesses and develop corroborating information to establish the validity of the confession . </Li> <Li> Document the suspect's admission or confession and have him or her prepare a recorded statement (audio, video or written). </Li> </Ol> <Li> Direct confrontation . Advise the suspect that the evidence has led the police to the individual as a suspect . Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place . </Li> <Li> Try to shift the blame away from the suspect to some other person or set of circumstances that prompted the suspect to commit the crime . That is, develop themes containing reasons that will psychologically justify or excuse the crime . Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive . </Li>

In step 1 of the reid technique interrogation