When a witness becomes a suspect, the interview is best described as what?

• A. An interrogation
• B. A non-custodial interview
• C. A custodial interview
• D. An incriminating interview

Answer: (A)

When a witness becomes a suspect, the questioning shifts to being interrogation. This means the interview is now purposeful and structured to obtain information that could be used as evidence, including admissions or a confession, with the focus on the suspect’s involvement in the crime. A non-custodial interview emphasizes a voluntary, cooperative tone and isn’t the right fit once suspicion exists. A custodial interview refers to the setting of custody rather than the shift in purpose; the key change here is the transition to interrogation to elicit information or admissions. An incriminating interview isn’t a standard term for this scenario. So the best description is interrogation.