Interviewing, Interrogation, and Source Operations
Interviewing, Interrogation, and Source Operations
This domain tests lawful, effective questioning and the recruitment, handling, and corroboration of human sources. The exam distinguishes witness interviews from custodial interrogation and tests documentation of voluntariness.
Core rules
- An interview is generally noncustodial and information-seeking; an interrogation is accusation-oriented and, if custodial, requires Miranda warnings and a valid waiver.
- Voluntariness is the foundation. Threats, promises of leniency, deception about legal consequences, or prolonged coercion can render a statement inadmissible.
- Use open-ended questions, free recall, and a timeline before focused questions. Separate witnesses, avoid contaminating memory, and record exact words where possible.
- For sources: assess motivation, access, reliability, and risk; document tasking and payments; prohibit illegal activity by the source; corroborate independently.
- Document exculpatory and inconsistent statements, not only admissions.
Worked example
A supply clerk may have stolen equipment. The agent interviews her as a witness, first asking for a narrative of receiving and issuing procedures, then for specific dates. When evidence focuses on her, the agent advises her of her rights before a custodial interrogation. Reasoning: the initial interview is noncustodial and preserves rapport; once custody and accusation converge, Miranda and voluntariness become central; the timeline yields corroboration.
Traps
Making promises or threats to obtain a statement; failing to clarify custody; asking leading questions that destroy reliability; using a source without documenting reliability; and omitting exculpatory statements from the report.