16 Jun 2023

Mr Big: How it Works

From Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big, 5:00 am on 16 June 2023
Podcast episode image for the 'Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big' podcast. A moody black and white photograph of a farm gate is mirrored vertically creating a Rorschach like effect with the episode number 'TWO' overlaid in vibrant green.

Photo: RNZ / Ebony Lamb / Jarred Bishop

Mr Big is a powerful technique that can bring justice to murder victims.

But experts disagree about its effectiveness.

Some support the technique. Others think Mr Big stings exploit people’s vulnerabilities and encourage them to lie.

Not all countries use the sting, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

In Canada, police employ some surprising and troubling variations on Mr Big to get the accused to confess..

But despite all this, an undercover police team here in New Zealand get approval to run Mr Big on David Lyttle.

Will it work?

Photo: Ebony Lamb Photography

Written and presented by Steven Price

Executive Producers Justin Gregory, Katy Gosset & Tim Watkin

Director Duncan Smith

Music Ebony Lamb and Gram Antler

Images by Ebony Lamb. Design by Jarred Bishop

Supported by the Michael and Suzanne and Borrin Foundation and Te Kauhanganui Tatai Ture, Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington logo

Photo: Victoria University of Wellington

Borrin Foundation logo

Photo: Borrin Foundation

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