North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which type of interview is considered more formal and technical in its questioning?

1. Canvass interview

2. Field interview

3. Interrogation

4. Casual interview

The correct answer is: Interrogation

Interrogation is recognized as the most formal and technical type of interview among the options. This process involves a structured approach where the interviewer, typically a law enforcement officer, employs specific techniques and strategies to extract information from a suspect or person of interest. It is characterized by a controlled environment, where the interrogating officer often follows a predefined protocol, utilizing various questioning styles aimed at eliciting detailed and incriminating responses. The focus during an interrogation is on gathering information that may be critical to understanding a crime or the individual’s involvement in it. This differs significantly from other types of interviews, such as a canvass interview or field interview, which are generally more informal and used for gathering background information or witness accounts. A casual interview has an even less formal approach, prioritizing rapport and comfort over rigorous questioning techniques.