Interrogation Debate Divides Psychologists

Should they be present for questioning? 'Soul' of profession at stake
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 16, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
Interrogation Debate Divides Psychologists
A woman listens to speakers at a San Francisco rally protesting the American Psychological Association participating in military interrogations at Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The use of psychologists to aid government interrogations at places such as Guantanamo Bay has triggered an acrimonious ethical debate as the American Psychological Association considers banning the practice altogether, the New York Times reports. Some say psychologists are used to “break” detainees—in some cases illegally—while others argue that psychologists must be present during questioning to ensure the safety of both the detainee and the interrogator.

“It’s really a fight for the soul of the profession,” said one psychologist who wants to ban the practice. Others disagree. “There’s no doubt that the psychologist’s presence can be abused,” said another. “But if there’s no presence at all, then there’s no accountability.” Adds another: “You don’t shut down the whole operation because certain individuals behaved unethically.” (More interrogation techniques stories.)

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