From third-degree to third-generation interrogation strategies: putting science into the art of criminal interviewing

The interviewing strategies of the American law-enforcement system are more than seventy-five years old. Psychologically manipulative and guilt-presumptive, these methodologies replaced the brutal third-degree interrogation tactics of the previous century, but have recently come under scrutiny for being both ethically and operationally unsound. These findings have prompted a paradigm shift toward more ethical, effective, and scientifically validated tactics. This thesis set out to explore the advantages of integrating next-generation practices into the interview-training ethos of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)—the internal affairs component of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An evaluation of evidence-based interrogation practices and governmental policy analyses, along with insight from subject-matter experts, provided the data for this exploration. A series of recommendations derived from the lessons learned of the U.K. PEACE model, the practices of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and research by the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group offered insight for the optimal training of interviewing techniques and their long-term retention in the field. Assuming the recommendations for OPR are both scalable and replicable, this model should be relevant and valuable for the professional practices of other DHS agencies responsible for conducting interrogations as well as for law-enforcement agencies nationwide.http://archive.org/details/fromthirddegreet1094553028Senior Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional ResponsibilityApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Augmenting the Reality of Phantom Limbs: Three Case Studies Using an Augmented Mirror Box Procedure

Phantom sensation and phantom pain are common after limb amputation. Previous research documents increased motor control of phantom limbs and alleviation of phantom limb pain through exposure to the “mirror box illusion.” This approach centers on the potential for vision and sensorimotor interactions to alter phantom limb perception. The applicability and flexibility of this intervention is limited by methodological constraints inherent in the use of conventional mirrors. This article reports the application of an "augmented reality" intervention that seeks to overcome these constraints. Three case studies are presented, and it is argued that augmented reality technology offers a promising new approach to the investigation of phantom experience and potentially to the treatment of phantom pain

Subtle memory and attentional deficits revealed in an Irish stroke patient sample using domain-specific cognitive tasks

Stroke disrupts motor, sensory, and cognitive systems in survivors. Unlike in physical impairments, assessment of cognitive function is often inadequate, as no standardized procedure to monitor cognitive recovery post stroke exists. We evaluated a number of novel task-orientated tools designed to assess subtle cognitive deficits (including memory, attention, and executive functioning) in a sample of stroke patients. Although unimpaired on MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)-based indices of cognition, memory, and intelligence, stroke survivors were significantly impaired on tasks testing visual attention, spatial/relational processing, and associative memory. We recommend a standardized multidomain cognitive assessment and propose that cognitive deficits post stroke require in-depth assessment to inform patient-orientated rehabilitation

Stroke awareness in the general population: knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in older adults

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Stroke is a leading cause of death and functional impairment. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have the poorest awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. This study examined knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among community-dwelling older adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Randomly selected community-dwelling older people (aged 65+) in Ireland (n = 2,033; 68% response rate). Participants completed home interviews. Questions assessed knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors, and personal risk factors for stroke.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the overall sample, 6% had previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. When asked to identify stroke risk factors from a provided list, less than half of the overall sample identified established risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypercholesterolaemia), hypertension being the only exception (identified by 74%). Similarly, less than half identified established warning signs (e.g., weakness, headache), with slurred speech (54%) as the exception. Overall, there were considerable gaps in awareness with poorest levels evident in those with primary level education only and in those living in Northern Ireland (compared with Republic of Ireland).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Knowledge deficits in this study suggest that most of the common early symptoms or signs of stroke were recognized as such by less than half of the older adults surveyed. As such, many older adults may not recognise early symptoms of stroke in themselves or others. Thus, they may lose vital time in presenting for medical attention. Lack of public awareness about stroke warning signs and risk factors must be addressed as one important contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from stroke.</p

The development of Australian Army officers for the 1980's

During the 1970s Australia's defence policy and strategic environment have undergone major changes. 'Forward defence' is no longer the basis of Australia's strategic posture; revolutionary changes in weapons technology are making existing operational methods ineffective in crucial aspects; and Australia has to develop a more self reliant national defence capability. As the same time, rapid developments are occuring in the ways in which complex decisions are taken, in the rate at which the frontiers of knowledge are expanding and in the beliefs and expectations held by members of Australian society.Therefore the Australian Army has to plan the development of its leaders to meet fundamentally new requirements. In this monograph, the authors attempt to analyse the Army's problems in this regard and to suggest ways in which they might be solved