Basic Difference Between Interview And Interrogation | Peace Model

interview and interrogation techniques

Basic Difference Between Interview And Interrogation:

Interviews and interrogations are both methods of obtaining information from individuals, but they differ in their purpose, tone, and level of coercion.

An interview is a conversation between two or more people, usually conducted in a relaxed and non-threatening environment. The purpose of an interview is to gather information, often in a structured manner, from a person who may have knowledge or expertise on a particular subject. Interviews are typically used in journalism, research, and job interviews.

A non-accusatory conversation in which a structured set of questions are asked, some of which are for the purpose of eliciting verbal and nonverbal behavior symptoms indicative of the truth or deception.

Motive of an Interview: In an interview main objective of an investigation officer is to obtain information.

An interrogation, on the other hand, is a formal process of questioning a person who is suspected of having committed a crime or wrongdoing. The purpose of an interrogation is to gather information that can be used as evidence in a court of law. Interrogations are typically conducted by law enforcement officials and may involve a more confrontational and intimidating tone than an interview.

Interrogation is an art whereby through the use of persuasion and observation, the truth is elicited from a suspect by sound reasoning and understanding without the use of threats or promises

Motive of an Interrogation: While in an interrogation it, is to test information already obtained.

Another key difference between interviews and interrogations is the level of coercion involved. Interviews are voluntary and the person being interviewed can choose to end the conversation at any time. Interrogations, however, may involve coercion, such as threats or promises, in order to obtain information from the person being questioned. In some cases, the use of coercion during an interrogation may be illegal.

In a nutshell, interviews and interrogations are both methods of obtaining information from individuals, but they differ in their purpose, tone, and level of coercion. Interviews are typically more informal and focused on gathering information, while interrogations are more formal and focused on obtaining evidence for use in a court of law.

↙ Interview Versus Interrogation ↘

PEACE model to interviewing victims

It applies to all interviews, not only to victims.

P: Plan and Prepare

E: Engage and Explain

A: Account & Confirm

C: Closure

E: Evaluate

P: Plan and Prepare

• Understand the circumstances of the investigation

• Be clear on what you need to achieve in the interview. Points to prove!

• Consider reviewing with the senior officer/prosecutor and take notes during the interview

• Consider the witness – what is known about him or her? This is the most important person in the room

• First language of the interviewee ( Native language if possible )

• Prepare the place, seating, selection of interviewing staff, and the time allotted

• What else do you need in the room? Exhibits, pens, paper, recording equipment etc.

E: Engage and Explain

• Introduce yourself and any others in the room

• Explain the purpose of the interview and how it will be conducted

• Make welfare checks – feeling well, comfortable, and water ( best interest )

• Explain roles, including the rights and duties of a witness

• Confirm willingness and readiness to be interviewed

• Then begin by establishing rapport – be natural, relaxed, interested, and concerned. Don’t discuss the case at this stage.

• Use a friendly manner, but refrain from physical contact

• Informal conversation

A: Account and confirm

Obtain full story – this is known as free recall

Listen actively - do not interrupt ( Let him/her speak )

Expand the story with simple questions

Avoid jargon and profanity

Use chronological landmarks to help memory

Four types of questions:

1. Open-ended Questions
2. Specific Questions
3. Closed Questions
4. Leading Questions:   Don’t forget why you’re there. Cover all the elements

      Types of Questioning:

1)    Open-ended questions:

Generalized Questions so you can get some information

How did it happen?

How did you come to know about this tragic event?

Tell me about your relationship with traffickers and how they treated you?

Etc etc.

2)    Specific questions:

Specific questions have concrete answers

When did you meet the trafficker?

How did you manage to pay the money?

Did they give you any assurance or vice versa?

Etc etc.

3)    Closed-ended questions:

Closed-ended questions are those which can be answered by a simple "yes" or "no,“

Did you pay the money?

Did you give him the passport?

Etc etc.

4)    Leading questions:

Leading questions suggest an answer and may distort the victim’s memory.

Were the traffickers national or non-national?

If national, what do they look like?

How was their dialect?

Etc etc.These questions can be combined on case to case basis depending upon the scenario of the investigation / Interviews. IO should be well versed about the contents and subject of the case

C: Closure

Crucial importance

Avoid abrupt termination

Allocate adequate time

Review, cross-check and clarify the statement

Victim questions

Explanation as to further plans

Ensure immediate welfare needs

E: Evaluate

Review and analyse the evidential statement

Identify areas that need clarification

Identify new evidential areas

Prepare next evidential plan

Evaluate performance of interview team

Re-apply PEACE model for next interview session

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