The distinction between interviews and interrogations in the criminal investigation process

Abstract

This dissertation will focus upon a qualitative research of the distinction between interviews and interrogations in the criminal investigation process. The intention is to present the differences that exist between both questioning techniques and how they are viewed upon by lawyers and police officers with particular expertise in such an area. Therefore this study will look into defining exactly what is meant by an interview and an interrogation, together with an overview of the relevant techniques used during such processes. The legal aspect is also tackled in relation to the procedures necessary to ensure the righteousness of the law while treating suspects. To achieve this, the relevant literature will be analysed and the true definitions of the questioning techniques explored in more detail. Having achieved that data, interviews will be made with professional lawyers and police officers to verify whether what is found in the literature reflects truly how things work in actual fact. The main aim of this study is to establish whether a distinction between interviewing and interrogating is actually made by professionals working in the area of criminal investigation, and also to verify if this discrepancy is registered in the legal aspect too.