What does the term "interview vs. interrogation" refer to?

The term "interview vs. interrogation" highlights the fundamental differences in purpose and approach between the two processes. An interview is primarily designed to gather information and facts from a subject, typically in a non-threatening manner. During this process, the interviewer seeks to understand the subject's perspective, collect detailed accounts, and facilitate open dialogue.

On the other hand, an interrogation is more focused on eliciting a confession or obtaining specific information from a suspect, often under more pressurized circumstances. The techniques used in interrogations can be more confrontational, and the environment may be controlled to induce responses that lead to confessions or admissions of guilt.

Understanding this distinction is essential for anyone involved in investigative work, as it impacts the strategies utilized during each process and the legal implications associated with them. Recognizing that interviews aim to extract information while interrogations seek confessions illuminates the different approaches and behavioral tactics employed by investigators in various scenarios.