Eye Spy - May 2018

80 EYE SPY INTELLIGENCE MAGAZINE 115 2018

T

INTERROGATION AND HUMINT

Deceptive

Factor

The

PART 12

IN THE INTELLIGENCE CYCLE

MIKE FINN examines a rarely discussed, yet vital intelligence

element used to draw accurate information from a person

during the interrogation or interview process

TRADECRAFT

o understand the advancements in

the intelligence world’s research

into mind manipulation technology,

we will first show the malleability of

the mind by opening the door of

memory implants to you the reader.

Memories are stored in the brain like the

frames of a cine film, at speed they appear as

one continuous chain of events, it’s easy to

slip a few frames into this set-up. In fact you

do not remember the original moment of an

event, just the last memory of that moment;

time can also erode the stability of a memory.

In respect of the external factors to memory

implant, there are two main elements, the first

is the subject’s perspective and the second is

the initiator’s (interviewer’s) approach. In the

first instance tiredness, confusion, and

misconceptual uncertainty can make the

memory implant easier. In the latter element,

blurring truth and illusion, being a believable

and trustworthy source, and reinforcement are

all components factors.

Without any external influence, witnesses to

an accident, for example, inadvertently create

conflicting versions of events. Misinformation

or false news is often reinforced into an

illusion of truth; it’s why contrived memory

implants are quite feasible. Let’s take an

experimental example; four people who

enjoyed a fishing trip several years ago,

eventually got together and after a few drinks,

they begin to reminisce. The most trusted

friend related a false memory, which was

about distracting an aggressive bull as they all

crossed a field. If this merges with a real

memory of crossing a field, the ‘hero factor’

will reinforce the event. Fur ther reinforcement

can be obtained as the other members recall

the event, by praising their friend for his

actions. Over time casual reinforcement

Environment, understanding a

target’s mindset and numerous

external factors, can assist those

engaged with intelligence collection

at the interview stage

MIKE FINN