Professional interviewing Interviewing or interrogating? The material in this guide consistently refers to conducting an interview rather than an interrogation. While in some cases the terms are often used interchangeably, the term “interrogation” is largely confined to describing the questioning of suspects, particularly in more serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug-related crime or terrorism. However, it carries with it a harsher meaning and can suggest that a different, stricter form of questioning is appropriate for suspects. In fact, as a police officer, you are required to demonstrate the same professional standards of impartiality and treat with respect and dignity all who are questioned, whether as victims, witnesses or suspects. In all cases, as a police officer, you should seek to use the interview to gain as much factual and reliable information as possible in order to inform and direct your investigation, and to lead to its successful resolution. Of course, in the case of interviewing suspects there is the added potential goal of obtaining an admission of guilt – a confession. However, this must not be the primary or sole purpose of the interview as even a confession must be substantiated by information and evidence. This will reduce the likelihood of a false confession and will also enable officers to present a stronger case against the suspect, should a confession later be retracted. ► Page 9