Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Define interrogation.

1. A conversation with the suspect

2. General questioning by law enforcement

3. Direct questioning to gather evidence of criminal activity

4. An informal discussion about the suspect's background

The correct answer is: Direct questioning to gather evidence of criminal activity

Interrogation is specifically characterized by direct questioning aimed at gathering evidence of criminal activity. This process typically involves law enforcement officers targeting specific information from a suspect, intending to elicit admissions, confessions, or incriminating details regarding a crime. The nature of interrogation is often formal, structured, and strategically planned to achieve the objective of obtaining valuable information that can be used in a legal context. In contrast, other options describe interactions that lack the targeted and systematic approach of formal interrogation. For instance, a conversation with the suspect might be casual or exploratory rather than focused on eliciting incriminating evidence. General questioning by law enforcement may not be specifically directed at uncovering criminal activity and could include a wide range of inquiries. Lastly, an informal discussion about the suspect's background does not incorporate the tactical and evidence-driven methods that characterize interrogation. Thus, the distinct focus on gathering evidence in option C makes it the correct definition.