What type of methods can police use to gather a confession?

Non-coercive psychological methods are considered acceptable practices for police to gather confessions because they respect the legal rights of the individual and adhere to ethical standards in law enforcement. These methods involve techniques that facilitate communication and build rapport with the individual, encouraging them to voluntarily provide information or confess to a crime without the use of coercion or intimidation. Examples might include establishing a non-threatening environment, using open-ended questions, and employing active listening to make the individual feel comfortable and willing to share their feelings and thoughts.

This approach aligns with the legal standard that confessions must be given voluntarily. In comparison, coercive methods such as physical violence or threats undermine the integrity of the confession and can lead to false admissions of guilt, which is why they are seen as inappropriate and may render any confession inadmissible in court. Non-coercive psychological techniques respect the rights of suspects and are more likely to yield truthful confessions, making it the preferred and legally sound approach in police interrogations.