Interview and Interrogation Essay Example for Free

Interview and Interrogation Essay Interviews and interrogations should be structured around the investigatory elements of the incident or crime. The need for careful planning and advance preparation cannot be overstated. It is one of the most difficult but most interesting phases of criminal investigation and detection. It is the confrontational battle of wits between the investigator and the suspect. It is a mental combat where the weapon is intelligence and the use of the art. Victory depends upon proper and effective use. The purpose of interrogation on the part of the suspect, it is to extract a confession or admission. On the part of the uncooperative or unwilling witness, it is to extract the information he possesses. While interview a simple and skillful but friendly questioning of a person who is believed to the possessing a knowledge that is official interest to the investigation; for the purpose of obtaining information. In a preliminary interview at a crime scene, officers have extremely limited time for such planning. Consequently, they need to know their priorities in advance. They should obtain as much information as possible, identify and locate the offender (s)and broadcast the information or alert other officers and department about the offense and identity of the offender(s). Officers should not use police terminology when interviewing or interrogating people because it will increase the incriminating atmosphere of the questioning. A polygraph, which literally means â€Å"many writings† scientifically measures and records a subject’s physiological reactions to specific questions in an effort to detect deception. As a polygraph operator asks a series of predetermined questions, changes in the subject’s respiration, depth of breathing, blood pressure, pulse and electrical resistance of the skin are measured and graphed for analysis. According to Paynter (1999). A polygraph might be used to clear suspects; confirm victim, witness and informant statements; or locate evidence. Sometimes used as part of an exploratory exam to further investigate the criminal involvement of someone already in custody for a different offense. In addition , it can help screen applicants for employment, such as police officer candidates, and can be used to monitor the activities of probationers and parolees, who must submit to and pass periodic polygraph exams, as a condition of their sentence. No matter what type of technology is used, the result must always be used as an investigative aid, a supplement to a thorough investigation- never as a substitute for it. Akers, Ronald. 1997. Criminological theories. California: Rexbury Publishing Company. Bartol, C. R. 1985. Criminal behavior. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Englewood Cliffs. Bonn, Robert. 1984. Criminology. New York: McGraw-Hill Book of Company. Hess, Karen. 2006. Police operations. Singapore: Thomson Learning Manwong, Rommel k. 2006. Fundamentals of criminology. Singapore: Thomson Learning.