Why do police conduct interviews?

Police conduct interviews primarily to gather information, which is crucial for their investigations. Through interviews, law enforcement can collect details about an incident from witnesses, victims, or suspects, providing insights that can help in reconstructing events and identifying leads. This information may include timelines, descriptions of individuals involved, and other relevant facts that can assist in forming a case.

The emphasis on gathering information underscores the investigative nature of police work, as their primary goal is to understand the circumstances surrounding a crime or event. This approach fosters a thorough examination of all aspects of the case, which is essential for building a solid foundation for any further legal proceedings.

While establishing trust with witnesses can be a beneficial outcome of conducting interviews, the core purpose remains information gathering. Intimidation of suspects and obtaining confessions are generally considered problematic tactics and not ethical objectives of police interviews, which ideally should focus on collecting accurate and relevant information.