James E. Mitchell

James E. Mitchell, a psychologist and interrogator, has played a pivotal role in the development of the CIA’s controversial enhanced interrogation program. His career trajectory commenced with military service when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1975. After a period of military service, Mitchell redirected his focus toward academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree and later a PhD in psychology from the University of South Florida.

Returning to the Air Force, Mitchell assumed the position of chief of psychology at the Air Force Survival School, where he contributed to Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training, as well as Special Operations. The trajectory of his career took a significant turn after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when the CIA enlisted Mitchell to devise an anti-terrorism interrogation system. His expertise played a critical role in extracting intelligence in the aftermath of the attacks.

Subsequently, Mitchell, in collaboration with Bruce Jessen, established Mitchell Jessen and Associates, a company that continued to collaborate with the CIA for several years. In 2016, Mitchell authored “Enhanced Interrogation: Inside the Minds and Motives of the Islamic Terrorists Trying To Destroy America,” shedding light on the details of his work. His contributions extend beyond his book, including collaborative efforts on “Elements of Clinical Research in Psychiatry.”

Today, Mitchell draws on his extensive experience to deliver talks and presentations on global political and military landscapes, providing insights derived from his years of expertise in psychology and interrogation.