Interview
A simple, friendly way of asking questions to someone who knows something about a
crime.
TYPES OF INTERVIEW IN CRIMINAL CASES
1. BACKGROUND INTERVIEW
Information gathered includes:
Date and time of the interview
Place of the interview
Full name and address of the person
Educational background
Personality, habits, and hobbies
2. SUBJECT INTERVIEW
Questions are phrased in a manner such that the subject’s answer is based on his personal
opinions or views.
“What do you think happened before the fight started?”
3. OBJECTIVE INTERVIEW
Questions are made to get clear facts and details about the case.
“What time did you see the suspect enter the store?”
4. Cognitive Interview
A questioning method used to help a witness remember details more accurately.
Used for witnesses who are willing and cooperative.
The witness is encouraged to tell the story in their own words.
“Please describe everything you remember about the incident, from start to finish.”
1. Background Interview – To gather personal and background information about the
person.
2. Subject Interview – To get the person’s opinions or views about the incident.
3. Objective Interview – To obtain clear facts and specific details about the case.
4. Cognitive Interview – To help a willing witness recall and share detailed memories of
the event.
TYPES OF QUESTIONING
1. Open-Ended Question
Questions that allow the person to give long, detailed answers. They often start with
words like What, How, Describe, Explain, Tell.
Purpose.
To gather more information and let the person tell their story in their own words.
Example.
“What happened after you saw the suspect?”
“Describe what the man was wearing.”
2. Closed Question
Questions that get short, specific answers — usually “yes,” “no,” or a short fact.
Purpose.
To confirm details or get direct information.
Example.
“Did you see him run?”
“What time did the incident happen?”
3. Forced Choice Question
Questions that limit the person’s answers to certain options.
Purpose.
To make the person choose between specific choices.
Example.
“Was the weapon a knife or a gun?”
“Was he wearing a hat or not?”
4. Multiple Question
Two or more questions asked at the same time.
Purpose.
To get several pieces of information in one turn (but it can confuse the person if not
careful).
Example.
“When did he arrive, what did he say, and who was with him?”
“Where were you, who were you with, and what were you doing?”
5. Leading Question
Questions that suggest the answer or push the person toward a certain reply.
Purpose:
Often used to confirm a belief but can be risky because it may influence the truth.
Example:
“You were angry at him, weren’t you?”
“He hit you first, correct?”
RULES IN DIRECT QUESTIONING
1. Use the subject language;
2. Ask a question one at time;
3. Avoid yes or no question;
4. Avoid leading question;
5. Avoid embarrassing question
QUALITIES OF A GOOD AND COMPETENT INTERVIEWER
Adaptable
Can adjust approach depending on the situation or person.
Knows when to be friendly, serious, or firm depending on the witness or
suspect.
Objective
Stays fair and unbiased; focuses on facts, not personal feelings.
Does not let emotions or assumptions affect the interview.
Patient
Willing to wait and give the person enough time to answer without pressure.
Lets the witness recall details slowly instead of rushing them.
Persuasive
Can encourage people to talk and share information willingly.
Builds trust so the person feels safe to speak honestly.
Insightful
Can read situations and understand hidden meanings or feelings.
Notices when a person is nervous or hiding something.
Sensitive to Individual Rights
Respects the legal and personal rights of the person being interviewed.
Does not force answers, threaten, or ask illegal questions.
TYPES AND ATTITUDES OF SUBJECTS IN AN INTERVIEW
Know-Nothing Type
Reluctant to be a witness, common among less-educated persons
How to handle
Start with a friendly warm-up and persistent questioning.
Ask many simple questions first (even if unrelated) before moving to important
ones.
Drunken Type
Easier to talk when flattered, but answers may be unreliable.
Honest Witness
Cooperative and truthful; easiest to handle.
Only minimal guidance is needed.
Disinterested Type
Uncooperative and indifferent.
How to handle
Motivate and spark their interest to participate.
Suspicious Type
Distrustful and fearful.
How to handle
Remove fear, use gentle psychological pressure, and let them see that not
cooperating may harm them.
Talkative Type
Speaks too much, sometimes off-topic.
Guide their talking toward relevant details.
Deceitful Witness
Lies and hides the truth.
How to handle
Let them continue until they trap themselves in inconsistencies.
Timid Witness
Shy or afraid to talk.
How to handle
Use a friendly approach and assure confidentiality.
Boasting / Egoistic / Egocentric Witness
Loves attention and talking about themselves.
How to handle
Be patient and use flattery — they can be useful because they want to express
themselves.