Interrogations

Interrogation is the process by which investigators question a person, typically a suspect or detainee, to obtain information, determine involvement in a crime, or confirm leads. It is distinct from ordinary interviewing, which aims to gather information from witnesses or subjects without asserting guilt. Interrogation practices occur in police stations, intelligence services, military settings, and courts, and may be conducted by investigators, detectives, or military officers.

Techniques emphasize information gathering rather than coercion. Modern investigative interviewing uses open-ended questions, rapport-building, and strategy to obtain accurate recall. Model approaches include the PEACE framework (Preparation, Engage, Explain, Account, Closure, Evaluate) used in several jurisdictions. Cognitive interviewing techniques help retrieve memories. Against this, coercive methods such as physical force, threats, or mental pressure are widely prohibited and can render evidence inadmissible and raise serious ethical and legal concerns.

Legal and ethical framework: Many jurisdictions place limits on interrogation. Rights may include access to legal counsel, notification of rights or miranda warnings, and prohibition of torture. Confessions obtained under duress are often excluded from trial. International law prohibits torture and inhuman treatment during interrogations, and professional standards require trained, accountable personnel and documentation of procedures.

Context and challenges: The line between aggressive but lawful questioning and coercion is a central issue. Intelligence interrogations may occur in wartime or counterterrorism contexts, raising debates about balance between security and human rights. The reliability of information is a concern, as stress and coercion can lead to false confessions; therefore, many systems emphasize record-keeping, transparency, and oversight.