What is the primary purpose of an interrogation?

The primary purpose of an interrogation is to elicit incriminating statements from the individual being questioned. In the context of law enforcement and criminal investigations, interrogations are designed to uncover the truth about a suspect's involvement in a crime. This may involve asking targeted questions that aim to elicit admissions or confessions regarding criminal behavior, which can provide critical evidence for a case.

Effective interrogations often rely on various techniques to encourage the individual to disclose information that aligns with the officer’s investigation. The goal is to gather information that can solidify a case against the suspect, and successful interrogations are often pivotal in securing convictions.

While building rapport, allowing the individual to share their story, and collecting background information can be components of the overall investigative process, they are secondary to the main objective of gathering incriminating information. These other options serve supportive roles, but they do not encompass the fundamental purpose of an interrogation itself.