Investigation vs Interrogation
Detective show enthusiasts may be familiar with the terms investigation and interrogation, but distinguishing between the two might prove challenging. Although they sound similar and some people have a basic understanding of each term, confusion can still arise. Investigation and interrogation differ in nature, with interrogation falling under the broader scope of investigation as one of its components. To differentiate the two terms, it is helpful to examine their definitions.
What is Investigation?
An investigation, according to the dictionary, is the action or process of investigating something or someone, or the systematic inquiry or examination conducted to discover facts. In the context of criminal justice, an investigation is the study of facts used to identify, locate, and prove the guilt of an offender or criminal. Investigations involve closely studying or examining a crime scene or gathered evidence, analyzing and determining the motives and methods of suspected offenders. This is done through various tasks such as questioning witnesses, interrogating suspects, employing forensic examination with new scientific techniques, searching premises, and examining financial and other related documents. Law enforcement authorities, like the police, military forces, or other intelligence units, gather information and/or evidence to determine if a crime has been committed, identify the offender, arrest the person, and produce enough proof to secure a conviction against the offender in a criminal trial.
Investigations can be complex, requiring the pursuit of facts to arrest a suspect for a crime. The investigators’ thoughts or feelings about the case or their judgment are irrelevant. They must be well-trained and equipped to gather only relevant information and evidence while eliminating irrelevant information. This can be challenging due to the vast amount of information and limited time to determine the relevance of each piece of information. Additionally, authorities must ensure that their investigation is conducted formally and methodically, adhering to all procedural rules and obtaining evidence legally. If the investigation is not carried out in this manner, the gathered evidence or information against the offender will not be admissible in court during their trial.
What is Interrogation?
Interrogation is defined as the verbal questioning of a suspect by law enforcement authorities to elicit a statement or useful information. Typically, it involves a series of questions directed at a person suspected of committing a crime or being indirectly involved in the commission of a crime. Interrogation is intense, as the questions asked are of a serious nature. The aim of an interrogation is to search for answers related to a crime, fill in the blanks, or find the missing links in a case.
A person who is arrested and subsequently produced for interrogation is entitled to certain rights, such as the right to have legal representation present during the interrogation. As part of an investigation, an interrogation must adhere to certain procedural standards and rules related to due process. If authorities do not comply with due process or violate any procedural rules, the results of the interrogation, including the questions and responses, will not be admissible in court as evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation is the overarching concept while interrogation is one component of an investigation.
- An investigation refers to the study of facts used to identify, locate, and prove the guilt of an offender or criminal, while an interrogation refers to the verbal questioning of a suspect by law enforcement authorities to elicit a statement or useful information.
- Investigation entails gathering information and evidence to discover certain facts pertaining to a crime, whereas interrogation involves a series of questions directed at a person suspected of committing a crime or being indirectly involved in its commission.
