In criminal law, the interrogation and interviews of the word are commonly interchangeably used because of their common objectivity during the criminal investigation. They also travel the same route, i.e., they use the same approach to obtain the truth. In addition, interrogation and interviews are generally conducted and apprehended by the crime investigator or apprehending officer. Investigating interviewing is an essential aspect of a criminal investigation. Most criminal information comes from people. Therefore, it is important for an investigator to be proficiently knowledgeable during the interrogation and interviewing. The main reason for interviews and interrogation is to provide concrete information, which will facilitate identifying, locating, apprehending, and proving a criminal guilty in court. However, in practice, the two terms describe distinct events. The differences between interrogation and interviews are highlighted below.
Interviews are more or less formal meetings between two parties with the aim of exchanging information. It should be carried out in an environment that allows the witnesses to have peace of mind. On the other hand, interrogation is viewed as the process of asking a question authoritatively, i.e., questioning with force. The suspect is questioned in regards to their involvement in the criminal activity. In a way, the interrogator is accusing the suspect. More often, interrogations are scheduled at the conclusion of an investigation. In interrogation, the investigator is an active talker and asks direct and less open-ended questions.
The suspect is under psychological pressure to confess his participation in the activity Interrogation is an art mastered through study and experience: “A good interrogator is the one who possesses an insight of human psychology and acts according to age, profession, and intellect level of the suspect being interrogated”. The ability to make the witness settled is significant as it will help to make the whole process of trial credible; the witness should be aware that he or she should not appear worried, but rather he or she should be calm when being cross-examined.