What does a lawful interview aim to achieve?

A lawful interview primarily aims to gather information from individuals involved in an investigation without coercion. This means the process respects the rights of the interviewee and operates within legal boundaries, ensuring that the information collected is reliable and voluntarily provided. The integrity of this information is crucial for any subsequent legal proceedings, where the voluntariness of the statements can affect their admissibility in court.

While other goals, such as establishing probable cause or assessing witness credibility, may be relevant to the broader investigative process, they are not the primary focus of a lawful interview. Instead, the priority is to foster an environment where individuals can share their knowledge or experiences without pressure, which ultimately strengthens the validity and quality of the information gathered. This approach is essential for maintaining ethical standards in law enforcement practices.