Interview_and_Interogation

  An interview is when people are questioned about a crime which they have knowledge about or have knowledge of someone involved. The interview is usually the first encounter on the scene, conducted in the field. Generally, when arriving on a crime scene determining who is there and trying to keep them separate from other potential witnesses, so they do not speak to each other. Make your initial contact friendly and professional, establish a rapport. Use of a logical approach is sometimes needed, when a person refuses to help remind them of the consequences of not cooperating with an investigation. The use of an emotional approach is used during a difficult interview also, acknowledge and validate their emotion. A cognitive interview is used in a controlled environment to help victims and witnesses who have difficulty remembering events. (Hess & Orthmann, p. 180-181-182) A statement is the ultimate reason for an interview, which is the person’s account of the incident. At the end of the interview be sure to thank the person, who may be needed at a later time. (Hess & Orthmann, p. 183) An interrogation is the questioning of a suspect, person involved in the crime. This usually takes place in a police station, under a controlled environment. (Hess & Orthmann, p. 184) Some investigators believe that conducting an interrogation in an atmosphere relaxed and furnished, not the usual jail setting but, conducted in the police station tends to relax some suspects. Keeping the suspects more relaxed opens them up to speak more freely. If, the suspect refuses to go to the police station and an arrest cannot yet be made interrogation may take place at the crime scene, police car, suspect’s home or place of employment. Keep the suspect away from friends and family if possible. (Hess & Orthmann, p.189) Make sure that you do not violate the suspects constitutional rights during an interrogation or the information you obtain may not be used in court. When a suspect has been deprived of their right to be free, deprived of considerable liberty or arrested this is considered a custody or custodial arrest; the Miranda rights must be given prior to an interrogation. When a suspect is questioned initially by law enforcement, taken into custody or deprived of freedom the Miranda rights must be given. (Hess & Orthmann, p.184-185) There are many techniques used in an interrogation and the choice depends on the suspect, with the ultimate conclusion a statement, admission, confession by the suspect that can be used in court to obtain a guilty plea or conviction. (Hess & Orthmann, p.184) Reference Hess M Karen & Orthmann Hess Christine, (2010) Criminal Investigation (9th ed.) (p.180-181-182-183-184-189-185) Cengage Learning