Interrogational Neuroimaging: The Missing Element in Counter-Terrorism

Abstract

Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, governments have waged a global campaign against terrorists groups in order to ensure national security. A crucial part of this campaign has been intelligence gathering with different methods of interrogation in order to extract allegedly necessary information from suspected terrorists. Similarly, it is not surprising that intelligence personnel have started recognizing that neuroimaging technologies — in particular, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) addresses this fundamental lack within the realm of scientific scrutiny. The current research introduces a first step towards developing a novel experimental interrogation paradigm that aims to apply a number of reliable and practical applications of fMRI within a rule of law and human rights framework. This prototype is applied in such a way that implications of interrogative methodologies will become a reality for mining of knowledge from potential suspects. The ultimate goal of our innovative methodology is the implementation of fMRI in real life situations that may serve the cause of human rights by providing an innocent person the means to scientifically prove his/her innocence. This truth verification tool has potential to replace torture and aggressive existing interrogation strategies. However, we discuss that there are still human rights and privacy concerns that must be addressed prior to moving this technology to real‐world application. Similarly, this paper will recommend best practices and guidelines to address scientific, social, ethical, privacy and general public concerns. The future of law enforcement agencies may very well be under construction with this new line of attack that could revolutionize police work and likely to provide significant benefits to society.

Keywords: fMRI, Interrogation, Counter‐terrorism, Human rights, Law enforcement