Understanding the Legality of Police Officer Deception Tactics

 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Criminal Law

One of the more common myths regarding police officers, especially in recent years, is that they must identify themselves as police officers. This is not true. We often see this myth perpetuated in the media and on television. But as it is often said, do not believe everything you see on television or in the movies. Relying too heavily on what you read in the media or see on the big screen can result in believing in certain falsities.

Make no mistake, the police can and will lie. If you have been accused of participating in illegal activity, it is critical to hire a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and avoid incriminating yourself. In this blog, we will take a deeper dive into situations in which police may or may not lie to suspects.

Police Officers, Sting Operations, and Entrapment. What Does It All Mean? 

You may have heard of something referred to as a “sting operation,” which are operations that try and catch criminals in the act of committing a crime. For example, an undercover police officer may pose as an underage girl online in order to lure child predators into breaking the law. These types of operations are perfectly legal. On the other hand, entrapment is not legal. Entrapment involves forcing someone or coercing them to break the law. In comparison, a sting operation allows someone the opportunity to break the law. 

Can Police Lie in Interrogations? What if a Minor is Involved?  

Police frequently lie during police interrogations in an effort to get the suspect to admit to doing something illegal. For instance, if two friends are arrested, while the police are separately interrogating both suspects, an officer may lie and tell one of the friends that the other admitted to a crime or that their friend implicated them in a crime. The police may also say that the suspect will receive a reduced sentence if they admit to a crime, even though police are not the ones who determine sentencing. 

However, for juvenile offenders, police are prohibited from using deceptive tactics, like lying about evidence or telling a juvenile they will receive a reduced sentence if they confess. 

Contact an Orland Park Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or your child has been accused of committing a crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential in helping ensure your rights remain protected. Contact the highly knowledgeable Illinois criminal defense lawyer Khaled Issa. Call 708-966-2408 for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016710927/illinois-is-the-first-state-to-tell-police-they-cant-lie-to-minors-in-interrogat