Forensic Hypnosis: The Practical Application of Hypnosis in Criminal Investigations

Experienced hypnoinvestigators and experts on law enforcement aspects of hypnosis cover the history, theory, principles, practice, management, and legal status of the subject. The manual is intended for use as a student's guide to investigative hypnosis techniques, an instructor's text, an aid in developing a hypnoinvestigation program within a law enforcement agency, and a procedure guide to the proper use of hypnosis in law enforcement, and discusses misconceptions regarding hypnosis. A further chapter addresses the nature of suggestion, the characteristics of those who are susceptible to hypnosis, the hypnoinvestigation room, and the recruitment and management of subjects. Next, discussion focuses on the principles and dynamics of hypnosis and suggestion, including information on the various depths of trances. One chapter considers the seven stages of hypnosis: preparation and preinduction talk, induction proper, deepening, challenging and testing for trance depth, elicitation of hypnotic phenomena, awakening, and postinduction. Practical aspects of hypnosis are examined, such as the establishment of a police program, problems sometimes encountered, hypnotizing particular types of victims, and court preparation and presentation. A case law analysis of hypnotically related evidence, as well as special problems and topics in forensic hypnosis are also discussed. Appendixes include sample forms, suggestibility tests, a release and preinduction questionnaire, definitions and theories of hypnosis, a forensic hypnosis checklist, and an investigation transcript. Name and subject indexes, chapter references, footnotes, charts, and photographs are provided.