What is "interrogation" in a criminal investigation?

In the context of a criminal investigation, interrogation specifically refers to the formal questioning of a suspect. This process is typically structured and aims to elicit information or confessions related to the crime under investigation. During an interrogation, law enforcement officers may employ various techniques to prompt the suspect to disclose information, clarify details about the case, or admit guilt. The formal nature of interrogation distinguishes it from informal discussions, which may involve witnesses providing their accounts but do not carry the same procedural weight or legal implications as an interrogation.

Understanding the distinction between interrogation and other processes, such as gathering public opinion or conducting a trial, is vital. Gathering public opinion does not involve suspects or formal questioning related to a crime, while conducting a trial is a judicial process where evidence is presented and legal arguments are made in court, which occurs after the investigative phase has concluded. Thus, the focus of interrogation is specifically on the suspect and the questions related to their involvement in a crime.