Police tactics to get you to talk in Jefferson County regarding a crime like Enticement of a Child or Sexual Exploitation of a Child are common sense. Remember the old saying that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar? The first time out, you don’t tell your blind date everything about you up front. You act upbeat and optimistic because you want him or her to like you. We even mislead people by our silence, in order to keep from hurting their feelings or to get them to open up.
Denver Police Officers are experts with training on how to get you to talk. When working sex crimes, for example, Lakewood police officers and Jefferson Sheriff Deputies know that no one opens up if they are nervous and feel like their entire life hangs in the balance, so they make you feel comfortable. They tell you things like “this is not that big of a deal”, “you did not do anything on purpose”, and “I can tell you are not the kind of person who abuses children, this must have been an accidental touching.” They might also tell you they will not arrest you, that you can leave anytime you want, and that they are just gathering information about the case. They don’t want you to think you are their target, so they say whatever they think will get you to let your guard down, and speak with them. They want you to think you can trust them and that they are just after the truth.
I’ve said it many times before, and must say it again. Police officers are not your friend and they are talking to you for just one reason: they want to get evidence to CONVICT YOU. They are not trying to convict someone else, and they are not trying to see if something occurred by accident. They get promotions by arresting people and they know you will not talk if you think you might be arrested or charged. They will even lie directly to your face to get you to feel more comfortable. They feel this is part of their job.
If police call you and want to talk, politely decline the invitation. Do this both in person and over the phone, because both are just as admissible against you. Don’t think what you are saying will help you and not hurt you, because you have no idea what the police need to convict you. A statement as simple as admitting you were talking with someone on a certain day, can result in a criminal conviction in Arapahoe, Adams, Denver, Douglas and Denver County.
If the police contact you, they will be nice to get you to talk. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.