The enhanced interrogator: Dr. James Mitchell’s perspectives on enhanced interrogation

This article examines the historical narratives of one of the key psychologists who helped to develop and carry out the Enhanced Interrogation programme. The Enhanced Interrogation programme ran from the early to the mid-2000s. It used aggression to facilitate the acquisition of information from suspected terrorists. The programme was unique in its use of mental health professionals to design, implement and monitor its activities. The psychologist’s historical accounts were thematically analysed. The article argues that death anxiety and death guilt may drive some health professionals to support Enhanced Interrogation type activities. It also argues that health professionals may be unable to control deviance and violations in situations where Enhanced Interrogation activities are occurring.