Interviews

Purpose

To gather information from witnesses or individuals not directly suspected of a crime.

Tone and Setting

Generally friendly, non-confrontational in an informal setting, often at the scene of the incident or in a public place.

Rights

You are not under arrest and have the right to not participate or leave at any time.

Interrogations

Purpose

To obtain a confession or incriminating statements from suspects or individuals believed to be involved in a crime.

Tone and Setting

More direct, confrontational, and pressured in a formal setting, often in a police station or interrogation room.

Rights

You must be read your Miranda rights, informing you of your right to remain silent and to an attorney.

Handling Police Interviews

Stay Calm
Remain calm and be respectful.
Understand the Context
Clarify if you are free to leave by asking, “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”
Know Your Rights
You have the right to refuse to answer any questions, especially if you feel you are being pressured or confronted aggressively.
Document the Interaction
If possible, record the conversation or take notes of what was asked and your responses.
Detention Indicators
If the police officer makes it so you are unable to leave, their tone becomes more authoritative or commanding compliance, they use force to physically hold you or display weapons, or the questioning becomes prolonged and focused on obtaining incriminating information, you are being detained turning the interview into an interrogation.
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Handling Police Interrogations

Invoke your Rights Immediately
If you are in custody or feel you are being interrogated, clearly invoke your right to remain silent and speak to an attorney.
Remain Silent
Do not answer any questions or provide any information beyond your basic identification.
Request Legal Representation
Insist on having a lawyer present before any further questioning. As soon as you invoke this right, they must stop interrogation until your lawyer arrives.
Avoid Self-Incrimination
If possible, record the conversation or take notes of what was asked and your responses.
Document the Process
If you can, remember details of the interrogation such as the officers’ names, badge numbers, and the nature of the questions.
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