California District Attorney Vern Pierson makes a case for overhauling how law enforcement interrogates suspects, drawing on wrongful conviction cases, counterterrorism research, and the science of cognitive bias. From the Ricky Davis exoneration to the “American Nightmare” kidnapping case, Pierson shows why the Reid Technique produces false confessions—and what actually works.
About the Speaker
Vern Pierson has dedicated over three decades to the pursuit of justice, serving as a prosecutor, innovator, and advocate for public safety. Since 2007, he has held the position of District Attorney for El Dorado County, where he has gained national recognition for his leadership in modernizing investigative practices and ensuring conviction integrity.
