What should investigators avoid promising to ensure confessions are voluntary?

Investigators should avoid promising a reduction of charges because it can create an environment where a suspect feels coerced into making a confession. This compromises the voluntary nature of the confession, as suspects may believe they are making a deal that directly benefits them, hence feeling pressured to comply. For a confession to be considered voluntary and admissible in court, it must be made without any form of coercion, inducement, or manipulation.

If investigators promise to reduce charges in exchange for a confession, it could imply that there is a tangible benefit for admitting guilt, regardless of the actual circumstances or evidence. This can lead to false confessions, especially among vulnerable individuals who may not fully understand the legal implications or the consequences of their admissions. Maintaining the integrity of the confession process is crucial, and ensuring that no such promises are made helps uphold the legal standards of voluntariness.

The other options do not pose the same direct conflict with the principle of obtaining a voluntary confession. Promising access to mental health services or the release of others may involve considerations of welfare rather than creating a sense of coercion regarding the confession itself. Immediate trial dates, while potentially a time-related pressure, similarly do not guarantee a reduction in charges, making them less impactful in influencing a