NCJ Number
94179
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper provides information on and guidelines for police field interviews.
Abstract
Field interviews are contacts initiated by a patrol officer who stops, searches, or questions a citizen because the officer has reason to suspect the subject. Field interviews are controversial because some citizens see them as an excuse for harassment. An independent study found that this technique has community support. Officers can maintain this support by conducting all field interviews in a professional manner. there are many types of persons who are reasonable subjects for field interrogations. Indiscriminate stopping and questioning of citizens represents an abuse of police authority. Officers should be aware of personal safety and escape possibilities when choosing a location for an interrogation. Field interrogations are effective only when the information obtained is recorded. Major constitutional issues bearing on field interviews are the Constitution's emphasis on individual freedom, the first, fourth, and fifth amendments. Seven notes are included. Constitutional guidelines for stopping and frisking are provided. A discussion guide and study questions are also provided.