When you are being investigated for a white-collar crime in Texas, you may be subjected to interviews or interrogations with law enforcement.
You may have heard of cops playing something called “good cop, bad cop” and wonder what it is and if it is happening to you. Good cop, bad cop is a psychological tactic and negotiation strategy used by cops designed to get a subject to talk to them.
How good cop, bad cop works
The routine is exactly what it sounds like: one cop plays a good cop, and one cop plays a bad cop. The good cop acts friendly, respectful and may even appear to empathize with your situation.
In contrast, the bad cop may accuse you of various crimes, threaten you and treat you with hostility or contempt.
This is done on purpose. The goal is to get you to feel threatened, pressured or intimidated by the bad cop and feel comfortable with the good cop to the point that you trust them. The hope is that your trust in the good cop will lead you to confess to a crime or make incriminating statements.
Why you should not be fooled by the good cop, bad cop routine
Even if it is not an outright confession, statements you make can be used against you. The police must have probable cause to arrest you, and the prosecution must have enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
White-collar crime cases are built on evidence seized from search warrants allowing the police to perform a search at your home, vehicle or place of business. If a search does not turn up enough evidence, your incriminating statements could be used to secure a conviction.
No matter what techniques the cops try to use against you, it is important to remember that you have rights, including the right to remain silent. If you are facing white-collar crime charges, it is best to exercise this right until you can speak with an attorney and begin building your criminal defense.