Interviewing vs Interrogation

The term ‘interviewing’ has largely taken over from ‘interrogation’ to describe the task of obtaining information from witnesses. The term ‘interrogation’ has negative connotations arising from its association with oppressive tactics that may involve the use of inappropriate words, para language, body language and unsuitable physical surroundings. This can never be tolerated.

A properly conducted interview that is not oppressive may on occasion be used to provide information to witnesses, and also encourage a two-way process. This in turn establishes trust between the participants and is more likely to result in the witness providing a better quality of evidence. If the initial interview with a relevant witness is not conducted appropriately then the entire investigation can fail.