BODY LANGUAGE IN POLICE INTERROGATIONS: A LITERATURE-BASED STUDY ON THE INTERPRETATION OF INDICATORS OF LYING

Santrauka

This article analyses the role of body language as a means of non-verbal communication in detecting deception in police interrogations. Starting from the extent to which the analysis of non-verbal indicators can enrich the substantive evaluation of statements, a systematic classification of lies and a differentiation from other forms of non-truth is first carried out. The various means of communication – verbal, paraverbal and non-verbal – are explained, and their significance for detecting deception is presented. A special focus is on the distinction between credibility and the influence of suggestive questions. The methodology is based on a comprehensive literary-theoretical analysis of current scientific findings and empirical studies. Various theoretical approaches to lie detection – including arousal, control, cognitive and affective models – are compared, and their practical relevance for police interrogation practice is critically examined. The article also sheds light on the possibilities and limits of applying artificial intelligence as a potential lie detector. The results show that non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures and physiological reactions can provide indications of deception. Still, their significance is limited by individual, situational and motivational factors. Non-verbal communication analysis can complement statements' content analysis, but should always be considered in the context of other assessment criteria. Finally, the implications for police practice are discussed, and open research questions are highlighted.