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Understanding Interrogation

NCJ Number
224434
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 77 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 17-20
Author(s)
Brian Parsi Boetig M.S., M.A.; Arnold R. Bellmer M.A.
Date Published
October 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides an understanding of police interrogation.
Abstract
The work notes an importance for law enforcement professionals to understand the term interrogation, given the need for personnel to have the ability to explain police practices to a public audience and to have the ability to establish coherent policy and regulation. It is noted that the term itself has the potential to be problematic, given the range of venues it is used in today’s society. Background is provided on the origin of the word itself, the legal definition, and the differentiation between interview and interrogation. It is noted that members of the law enforcement and legal communities should remain cognizant of the complexities related to defining interrogation and have the ability to explain it accurately within several different contexts. The public’s perception of interrogation is not something considered to be easily influenced, and the work notes that officers should prove themselves well versed in defining and describing an accurate depiction of the procedure, particularly when interacting with the public as they fulfill their duty as jury members. 6 notes