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Washington, DC 20505
30 December 2004
T : DOJ.Command Center For Dan Levin
. Organization: Office of Legal 6o-upset . "ILS. Department of Justice
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Number of pages (including cover sheet): 20
Coraments: (S/iNF) Dan, A generic description of the process. Thank yon.
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Background paper on pk's Combined Use of Interrogation Teanicrues
Note: This paper provides further background information and details on High-value Detainee (HVD) interrogation techniques to support documents CIA has previously provided .the Department of
Justice.
This paper focuses strictly on the topic of combined use of
interrogation techniques.
The purpose of interrogation is to persuade High-Value Detainees (HVD) to provide threat information and terrorist intelligence in a timely manner„ to allow the US Government to identify and
disrupt terrorist plots
.1nd to collect critical intelligence on al-Oa'ida

In support
of information previously sent to the Department of Justice, this paper provides additional background on how interrogation techniques are used, in combination and separately, to achieve
interrogation objectives. Effective interrogation is' based on
) the concept of using both physical and psychological pressures in a comprehensive, systematic, and cumulative manner to influence HVD behavior, to overcome a detainee's resistance posture. The goal of interrogation is to create a state of learned helplessness and dependence conducive to the collection
of intelligence in a predictable, reliable, and sustainable'
Manner. For the purpose of this paper, the interrogation
process can be broken into three separate phases: Initial

Conditions; Transition to Interrogation; and Interrogation.
A. Initial Conditions. Capture, contribute to the physical and psychological condition
of the HVD prior to the start of interrogation. Of these,
"capture shock" and detainee reactions

are factors that may vary significantly between detainees '
All Portions Classified
ToP SECRET// -

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Regardless of their previous environment and .
experiences, once an HVD is turned over to CIA a predictable set
of events occur:

1) Rendition,

a. The HVD is flown to a Black Site

A medical examination is conducted prior to
the flight. During the flight, the detainee is
securely shackled and is deprived of sight and sound
through the use of blindfolds, earmuffs, and hoods.

. There is

•
no interaction with the HVD during this rendition
movement except for periodic, discreet assessments by

the on-board medical officer,

b, upon arrival at the destination airfield, the
HVD is moved to the Black Site under the same
conditions and using appropriate security procedures.

2) Reception at Black Site, The HVD is subjected to
administrative procedures and medical assessment upon
arrival at the Black Site.

the HVD finds himself in the complete
control of Americans;

the procedures he is subjected o are
precise, quiet, and almost clinical; and no one is
mistreating him. While each HVD is different, the
rendition and reception process generally Creates
significant apprehension in the HVD because of the enormity

_ _ _ _and_suddenness of.the _chang.e_ in environment, _ the . _
uncertainty about what will happen next, and the potential
dread an HVD, might have of US custody, Reception
procedures include:

a. The HVD's head and face are shaved.

77.J.IPRAPFT. lio_mma,GReetrilffpa
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. b. A series of photographs are taken of the HVD while nude to document the physical condition of the HVD upon arrival.
c.
A Medical Officer interviews the HVD and a medical evaluation is conducted to assess the physical condition of the HVD, The medical officer also determines if there are any contraindications to the use of interrogation techniques.

d.
A Psychologist interviews the HVD to assesshis mental state. The psychologist also determines if there are any contraindications to the use of interrogation techniques.

Transitioning to Interrogation - The Initial Interview. Interrogators use the Initial Interview to assess the initial resistance posture of the HVD and to determine--in a relativelybenign environment--if the HVD intends to willingly participate with CIA interrogators. The standard on participation is set very high during the Initial Interview. The HVD would have to willingly provide information on actionable threats and location information on High-Value Targets at large--not lower level information--for interrogators to continue with the neutralapproach. -
3
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to HOS. Once approved, the interrogation process begins provided the required medical and psychological assessments contain no contraindications to interrogation
C. Tnterrogation.
For
descriptive purposes,'these techniques can be separated into
three categories: Conditioning Techniques; Corrective

Techniques; and Coercive Techniques. To more completely ,describe the three Categories of techniques and their effects, we begin with a summary of the detention conditions that are used in all CIA HVD facilities and that may be a factor in interrogations.
1) Existing detention conditions. Detention conditions are not interrogation techniques, but they have an impact on the detainee undergoing interrogation. Specifically, the HVD will be exposed to white noise/loud sounds (not to exceed 79 decibels) and constant light during portions of the interrogation process, These conditions provide additional operational security: white noise/loud sounds mask conversations of staff members and deny the HVD any auditory.clues about his surroundings and deter and disrupt the HVD's potential efforts to communicate with other detainees, Constant light provides an improved environment for Black Site security, medical, psychological, and interrogator staff to monitor the HVD.
2) Conditioning Techniques. The HVD is typically reduced-to a baseline, dependent state using the three
-----interrogation techniques-discussed below in combination.--Establishing this baseline state is important to demonstrate to the HVD that he has no control over basic human needs. The baseline state also creates in the detainee a mindset in which he learns to perceive and value his personal welfare, comfort, and immediate needs more than the information he is protecting. The use of these
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conditioning techniques do not generally bring immediate
results; rather, it is the cumulative effect of these

techniques, used over time and in combination with other

interrogation techniques and intelligence exploitation

methods, which achieve interrogation objectives. These

conditioning techniques require little to no physical

interaction between the detainee and the interrogator. The

specific conditioning interrogation techniques are

a.
Nuglty. The HVD's clothes are taken and he
remains nude until the interrogators provide clothes
to him.

b.
Sleep Deprivation. The HVD is placed in the
vertical shackling position to begin sleep
deprivation. Other shackling procedures may ,be used
during interrogations. The detainee is diapered for
sanitary purposes; although the diaper is not used at
all times.

c.
Dietary manipulation. The HVD is fed Ensure
Plus or other food at regular intervals. The IND
receives a target of 1500 calories per day per OMS
guidelines.

3) Corrective Techniques. Techniques that require

physical interaction between the interrogator and detainee
are used principally to correct, startle, or to achieve
another enabling objective with the detainee. These
techniques-the insult slap, abdominal slap, facial hold,
and attention grasp-are not used simultaneously but are
often used interchangeably during an individual
interrogation session. These techniques generally are used

while the detainee is subjected to the conditioning
techniques outlined above (nudity, sleep deprivation, and
dietary manipulation). Examples of application include;

The insult slap often s the
first physical technique used with an HVD once an
_

inter:,o

be nude, in sleep deprivation, and subject to dietary

manipulation, even though the detainee will likely

feel little effect from these techniques early in the

interrogation. The insult slap is used sparingly but
periodically throughout the interrogation process when
the interrogator needs to immediately correct the

To3z, sacAtTi !ngcaNTagebtvimal

o.mJ./iNCTPENARCOgnial
detainee or provide a consequence to a detainee's
response or non-responee. The interrogator will
continually assess the effectiveness of the insult
slap and continue to employ it so long as it has the
desired effect on the detainee. Because of the
physical dynamics of the various techniques, the
insult slap can be used in combination with water
dousing or kneeling stress positions. Other
combinations are possible but may not be practical,
b. Abdominal Slap. The abdominal slap is similar to the insult slap in application and desired result. It provides the variation necessary to keep a high level of unpredictability in the interrogation process. The abdominal slap will be used sparingly and periodically throughout the interrogation process when the interrogator wants to immediately correct the detainee
, and the interrogator will continually assess its effectiveness. Because of the physical dynamics of the various techniques, the abdominal slap can be used in combination with water dousing, stress positions, and wall standing, Other combinations are possible but may not be practical,
c, Facial Hold. The facial hold is a corrective technique and is used sparingly throughout interrogation. The facial hold is not painful and is used to correct the detainee in a way that
demonstrates the interroaator's control over the HVD,
Because of the physical, dynamics of the various techniques, the facial hold can be used in combination with water dousing, stress positions, and wall standing. Other combinations are possible but may not be practical.
d, Attention Grasp . .
It may be used several times in the same interrogation. This technique is usually applied
grasp the HVD and pull him
6

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TOD–ntigTi IMOROldrifiiC67/4E6:-

into. close proximity of the interrogator (face to
face). Because of the phySical dynamics of the •
various techniques, the attention grasp can be used in
combination with water dousing or kneeling stress
positions. Other combinations are possible but may
not be practical.

4) Coercive Techniques. Certain interrogation
techniques place the detainee in more physical and
psychological stress and, therefore, are considered more
effective tools in persuading a resistant HVD to
participate with CIP interrogators.. These techniques—
walling, water dousing, stress positions, wall standing,
and cramped confinement—are typically not used in
combination, although some combined use is possible. For
example, an HVD in stress.positions or wall standing can be
water doused at the same time. Other combinations of these
techniques may be used while the detainee is being
subjected to the conditioning techniques discussed above
(nudity, sleep deprivation, and dietary manipulation).
Examples of coercive techniques include:

a. Walling. Wailing is one of the most
effective interrogation techniques because it wears
down the HVD physically, heightens uncertainty in the
detainee abott what the interrogator may do to him,
and creates a sense of dread when the HVD knows he is
about to be walled again.

aterrogator

At HVD may
be walled one time (one impact with the wall) to make .
a point or twenty to thirty times consecutively when
the interrogator requires a more significant response
to a question, During an interrogation session that
is designed to be intense, an HVD will be walled
multiple times in the session. Because of the

_ physical dynamicS .of walling, it is impractical to use
it simultaneously with other corrective or coercive
techniques,

b. Water Dousing. The frequency and duration of
water dousing Applications are based on water
temperature and other safety considerations as

i its 4": 1
Tql.P.-68614:Ti 0

established by OMS guidelines. It is an effective
interrogation technique and may be used frequently

within those guidelines. The physical dynamics of water dousing are such that it can be used in combination with other corrective and coercive techniques. ?s noted above, an HVD in stress positions or wall standing can be water doused. Likewise, it is possible to use the insult slap or abdominal slap with an EVD during water dousing.
o.• Stress Positions. The frequency and duration
of use ofthe stress positions are based on the interrogator's assessment of their continued effectiveness during interrogation. These techniques
are usually self-limiting in that temporary muscle
fatigue usually leads to the HVD being unable to
maintain the stress position after- a period of time.
Stress positions requiring the HVD to be in contact

with the wall can be used in combination with water dousing and abdominal slap. Stress positions requiring the HVD to kneel can be used in combination with water dousing, insult slap, abdominal slap, facial hold, and attention grasp.
d. Wall Standing. The frequency and duration of
wall standing are based on the interrogator's assessment of its continued effectiveness during interrogation. Wall standing is usually self-limiting in that temporary muscle fatigue usually leads to the HVD being unable to maintain the position after a
period of time. Because of the physical dynamics of the various techniques, wall standing can be used in combination with water dousing and abdominal slap. While other combinations are possible, they may not be practical.
e. Cramped Confinement, Current 0M3 guidance on
the duration of cramped confinement limits confinement in the large box to no more than 8 hours at a time for no. morp_than 1B hours a day, and confinement in the small box to 2 hours.
Because of the unique aspects of cramped confinement, it cannot be used in
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. combination with other corrective or coercive
techniques.

D. Interrogation This section provides a -look at a prototybical interrogation with an 'emphasis on the application. of interrogation techniques, in combination and separately.
Session One.,

a. The HVD is brought into the interrogation
room, and under the direction of the interrogators,
stripped of his clothes, and placed into shackles

T ./ iN0F.10RN.

TOT/. /iNc/EamreltrFaffiliffr

e. le

b.
The HVD is placed standing with his back to
the walling wall. The HVD remains hooded.

c.
Interrogators approach the HVD, place the
wailing collar over his head-and around his neck, and .
stand in front of the HVD.

d. The interrogators remove the HVD's hood and

explain the HVD's situation to him, tell
him that the interrogators will do what it takes to
get important information, and that he can improve his
conditions immediately by participating with the
interrogators. The insult slap is normally used as
soon as the HVD does or says anything inconsistent
with the interrogators' instructions.

If appropriate, an
insult slap or abdominal slap will follows

f.
The interrogators will likely use walling
once it becomes clear that the HVD is lying,
withholding information, or using other resistance
techniques.

g.
The sequence may continue for several more iterations as the interrogators continue to measure the HVD's resistance posture and apply a negative consequence to the HVD's

.resistance efforts.

h. The interrogators, assisted by security
officers (for security purposes) will place the HVD in

_the_center_of_the interrogation .room. shackling position and diaper the HVD to begin sleep deprivation. The HVD will be provided with Ensure Plus -(liquid dietary supplement) to begin dietary manipulation. The HVD remains nude—. White noise (not to exceed 79db) is used in the interrogation
10 17,a2CAET// //NOFO 41!' e -r
DEC. 30.2204- 10: 26/41 NO.691 P . 13
. nEEELM,DRceRilicti
room. The first interrogation session terminates at
this point.

j. This first interrogation session may last
from 30 minutes to several hours based on the
interrogators' assessment of the HVD's resistance
posture.

The three Conditioning Techniques were used to
bring the itn to a baseline, dependent state
conductive to meeting interrogation objectives in a
timely manner.

3) Session Two.

a. The time period between Session One and

Session Two could be as brief as one hour or more than
24 hours

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In addition, the
medical and psychological personnel observing the
interrogations must advise there are no

contraindications to another interrogation session.

C. Like the first session, interrogators
approach the HVD, place the walling collar over his
head and around his neck, and stand in front of the

Should the HVD not respond
appropriately to the first questions, the
interrogators will respond with an insult slap or '

abdominal slap to set the stage for further

questioning..

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a .
The interrog'itors
will likely use walling once interrogators determine
the HVD is intent on maintaining his resistance

posture,

f. The sequence
may continue for multiple iterations as the
interrogators continue to measure the HVD's resistance

posture.

• g. To increase the pressure on the HVD,

water douse the HVD for several minutes.

h.
The interrogators, assisted by security
officers, will place the HVD back into the vextical.
shackling position to resume sleep deprivation.
Dietary manipulation also continues, and the HVD
remains nude, White noise (not to exceed 79db) is
used in the interrogation room. The interrogation
session terminates at this point,

i.
As noted above, the duration of this session may last from 30 minutes to several hours based on the interrogators' assessment of the HVD's resistance posture. In this example of the second session, -the following techniques were used: sleep deprivation, nudity, dietary manipulation, walling, water dousing, attention grasp, insult slap, and abdominal slap. The three Conditioning Techniques were used to keep the HVD at a baseline, dependent state and to weaken his resolve. and. will to resist.__. In combination with _these three techniques, other Corrective and Coercive_ Techniques were used throughout the interrogation session based on interrogation objectives and the interrogators' assessment of the HVD's resistance

posture.

in
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4) Session Three,
a.

In addition, the medical and

psychological personnel observing the interrogations must find no contraindications to continued interrogation.
b.
The HVD remains in sleep deprivation, dietary manipulation and is nude.

P.
Like the earlie'r sessions, the HVD begins the session standing against the walling wall with the walling collar around his neck.

d, If the HVD is still maintaining a resistance posture, , interrogators will continue to use walling and water dousing. All of the Corrective TechniqUes,
(insult s1aD, abdominal slap, facial hold, attention
rasp)may be used several times during this session based on the responses and actions of the HVD. Stress positions and wall standing will be integrated into interrogations
Intense questioning and walling would be repeated
multiple times.
Interrogators will often use one technique to support another. As an example, interrogators would tell an HVD in a stress position that he (HVD) is going back to the walling wall (for walling) if he fails to hold the stress position until told otherwise by the HVD. This places additional stress on the HVD who typically
mill_txy to hold.the.stress_position fox_aSJOng.as possible to avoid the walling wall.
the
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interrogators will remind the HVD that he is responsible for this treatment and can stop it at any time by cooperating with the interrogators.
e. The interrogators, assisted by security officers, will place the HVD back itto the vertical shackling pobition to resume sleep deprivation. Dietary manipulation alSo continues, and the HVD remains nude. White noise (not to exceed 79db) is used in the interrogation room. The interrogation session terminates at this point. In this example of the . third session, the following techniques were used: sleep deprivation, nudity, dietary manipulation, walling, water dousing, attention grasp, insult slap, abdominal slap, stress positions, and wall standing.
5) Continuing Sessions.
Interrogation techniques assessed as being the most effective will be emphasized while techniques will little assessed effectiveness will be minimized,
a,
b.
The use of cramped confinement may be introduced if interrogators assess that it will have the appropriate effect on the HVD.

d.
Sleep deprivation may continue to the 70 to 120 hour range, or possibly beyond for the hardest resisters, but in no case exceed the 180 hour time

-
limit. Sleep deprivation will end sooner if the medical or psychologist observer finds
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TOS_SECR:ST1/. 6'0!.0 1 MR1 '
contraindications to continued sleep deprivation.

g. The interrogators' objective is to transition
the HVD to a point where he is participating in a
-predictable, reliable, and sustainable manner.
Interrogation techniques may still be applied as
required, but become less frequent,

. This transition period lasts
trom several days to several weeks based on the HVDs
responses and actions,

h. The entire interrogation process outlined
above, including-transition, may last for thirty days

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DOJ OLC 001142
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OD average, the actual .use of
interrogation technique!
can vary upwards to fifteen days based
on the resilience of the !iVD.

If the interrogation
team anticipates the potential need to use
interrogation techniques beyond the 30-day approval_
period, it will submit a new interrogation plan to HQS
for evaluation and approval.

2. Summary.

. since the start of this program, interrogation techniques have been used in combination and separately to achieve critical intelligence collection objectives.
0 The use of interrogation techniques in combination is
essential to the creation of an interrogation_ environment
conducive to intelligence collection. HVDs are welltrained, often battle-hardened terrorist operatives, and
highly committed to jihad. They are intelligent and
resourceful leaders and able to resist standard
interrogation approaches.

However, there is no template or script that states with
certainty when and how these techniques will be used in
combination during interrogation. However, the exemplar
aboVe is a fair representation of how these techniques

are actually employed.

ild:15.3RM

All CIA interrogations are conducted on the basis of the
"least coercive measure" principle, Interrogators employ

interrogation techniques _in an escalating manner
consistent with the HVD's responses and actions.

Intelligence production is more sustainable over the long
term if the actual use of interrogation techniques
diminishes steadily and the interrogation environment
improves in accordance with the {VD's demonstrated
consistent participation with the interrogators,

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DOJ OLC 001144