Physical Security Professional Certification Practice Exam

What is the key difference between an interview and an interrogation?

1. Who is being questioned

2. Who is asking the questions

3. How the questions are being asked

4. Where the questions are being asked

The correct answer is: Who is being questioned

The key difference between an interview and an interrogation primarily lies in who is being questioned. In an interview, the individual speaking is usually a witness or a person providing information voluntarily. The tone and context of an interview are generally more conversational, aiming to gather facts or insights without the pressure of guilt or wrongdoing. In contrast, an interrogation is typically directed at a suspect or a person who is perceived to be involved in a crime, and it often involves more aggressive questioning techniques used to elicit a confession or admission of guilt. This fundamental distinction impacts how the questioning is perceived and conducted, creating a different environment and psychological dynamic between the interviewer and the individual being questioned. Understanding this difference is crucial for professionals in physical security and law enforcement, as it guides the approach and techniques used in both scenarios.