( KRON ) — Officers with the San Jose Police Department asked drivers, “Are there any dead babies in the car?” while initiating traffic stops in at least two separate occasions in 2023, according to an independent audit. Both instances were examples of officers using a controversial tactic known as “shock talk,” according to the audit, which was conducted by the City of San Jose’s Interim Independent Police Auditor.
The incidents were brought to auditors’ attention through citizen complaints that were both verified by video footage. One officer suggested that his field training officer suggested using shock talk to catch listeners off guard, thereby “causing a greater likelihood of the listener speaking the truth,” the audit states.
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The Independent Police Auditor (IPA) said it was unable to find reliable police training to support the use of this technique. The use of shock talk has been strongly discouraged by the San Jose Police Academy, field training, ongoing training and a memo from the SJPD chief, according to the audit.