What is the Difference Between Interview and Interrogation?

The main difference between an interview and an interrogation lies in their objectives and the manner in which information is gathered. Here are the key differences between the two:

Interview:

• Purpose: Gather information and evaluate a subject's credibility in a non-accusatory manner, often to gather circumstantial evidence.
• Approach: Informal and conversational, typically conducted by a professional.
• Participants: Usually victims, witnesses, or individuals with relevant knowledge or experience.
• Techniques: Asking open-ended questions and allowing the interviewee to share their knowledge or experience in a comfortable environment.

Interrogation:

• Purpose: Verify already gathered information and reveal the truth in a more structured and sometimes confrontational environment, often with the aim of securing a confession.
• Approach: Formal and organized dialogue, typically led by a law enforcement officer or other authoritative figure.
• Participants: Suspects or individuals believed to have direct involvement in the crime.
• Techniques: Persuading the suspect to confess or reveal critical information about the crime, often supported by physical evidence.

In summary, interviews are designed to collect data and evaluate a subject's credibility in a non-accusatory manner, while interrogations aim to verify information and reveal the truth in a more structured and sometimes confrontational environment.

Comparative Table: Interview vs Interrogation

Here is a table detailing the differences between an interview and an interrogation:

In summary, interviews are conducted to gather information and facts in a respectful and non-threatening manner, often with victims and witnesses. On the other hand, interrogations are formal and authoritative, aimed at uncovering any illegal activity or securing a confession from a suspect.