Which statement best distinguishes a field interview from an interrogation?

• A. Field interview is non-accusatory information gathering; interrogation is questioning a suspect with potential rights implications
• B. Field interview is conducted outdoors in all cases
• C. Interrogation is conducted without warning rights
• D. Field interview always requires a lawyer present

Answer: (A)

The key distinction is about how the questioning is framed and the person’s freedom of movement. A field interview is casual, non-accusatory information gathering with someone who isn’t in custody; the goal is to collect facts from a witness or civilian without implying guilt. Interrogation is a focused, formal line of questioning of a suspect who is in custody or not free to leave, where the officer must consider rights advisement because the statements could be used in court. The defining factor isn’t location or whether a lawyer is present, but the suspect’s custody status and the potential for rights implications.