Why do people make false confessions?

These pelicans are guilty of loud noises

Among the many issues in our criminal justice system, one of the most puzzling is that of false confessions. Why would anyone confess to something they didn't do? 

There are several reasons, some easier to understand than others. In some cases, police interrogation can stretch for hours without restroom breaks, sleep, food, or water. A suspect may confess, thinking that they will be able to leave, and then find out that the confession was recorded and is very difficult to revoke. 

Some suspects are confused. Police are allowed to interview intellectually-disabled people without an advocate, and suspects who are using drugs or alcohol, are malnourished, or dehydrated may become confused and unaware of the consequences of simply saying "yes" when asked a question. In one notable case, a suspect confessed to a murder and then asked when he could go back to his high school class because he had a project due. It became clear that he didn't understand what he'd said. 

Some police interrogators use more coercive techniques than others, suggesting details, or asking questions like, 'Did you kill her or did you just help hide the body,' or 'Did you kill her because you hated her, or did you just snap and kill her' leave no room for denials. Some interrogators will work to confuse or deceive, saying that they already have proof that the suspect is guilty and that the court will go easier on the suspect if s/he confesses, or asking a suspect to imagine how s/he would have committed the crime. 

For some people, particularly those from a disadvantaged background or community, the criminal justice system may seem inevitable. If your family and friends have been in and out of prison, and you see no prospects for advancement, it is easy to think, 'If I don't go down for this, it'll be something else,' and confess in order to get the interrogation finished. 

Most of our police officers are simply trying to do their jobs, but they have often been given poor training and bad tools, and then put in very stressful situations. For more information on police interrogation and the ways it can influence citizens, please search for the Reid Technique.