During an interview, what is the investigator's main intention?

The main intention of an investigator during an interview is to gather information while being non-accusatory. This approach fosters a more open and communicative environment, encouraging the interviewee to share details that may be crucial to the investigation. By avoiding a confrontational stance, the investigator can build rapport and trust with the interviewee, which can lead to more informative and comprehensive responses. This method is often more effective than putting pressure on the individual to confess or confront them with evidence, as these strategies can result in defensiveness or reluctance to provide information.

Creating a non-accusatory atmosphere allows the investigator to actively listen and observe the interviewee’s body language and emotional responses. This can also uncover inconsistencies or additional leads that may not be evident through direct confrontation or a narrow focus on specific timelines. In essence, the goal is to collect as much relevant information as possible, with the understanding that admissions or confessions may arise naturally from a more relaxed and open conversation.