FOR2602
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Unique No: 17829
DUE 3 September 2025
, FOR2602 ASSIGNMENT 01
2nd SEMESTER 2025
DUE DATE: 2025-09-03
UNIQUE NUMBER: 17829
Question 1: Discuss the interrogation process. (10 marks)
The interrogation process is a systematic investigative method used by forensic
investigators and law enforcement to obtain truthful information, admissions, or
confessions from a suspect. Unlike a normal interview, which is non-accusatory,
interrogation is accusatory in nature because it is conducted once investigators have
reasonable grounds to believe the person is involved in a crime.
The process begins with preparation, where investigators gather background
information, evidence, and intelligence about the suspect. This preparation ensures that
the interrogator understands the suspect’s possible motives, criminal history, and
personality traits (Marais & Van Rooyen, 2022: 133).
The second stage is building rapport. Establishing trust is critical because a hostile or
defensive suspect is unlikely to cooperate. The interrogator may use a calm,
professional, and non-threatening approach initially, gradually moving toward more
direct questioning.
Third, the presentation of evidence is important. Investigators strategically confront
the suspect with facts, contradictions, or inconsistencies between their story and the
evidence. This increases psychological pressure and reduces the suspect’s ability to
maintain deception (Van der Watt, 2021: 89).
Fourth, the interrogator may apply psychological techniques, such as minimization
(downplaying the seriousness of the offence) or maximization (emphasizing the severity
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Unique No: 17829
DUE 3 September 2025
, FOR2602 ASSIGNMENT 01
2nd SEMESTER 2025
DUE DATE: 2025-09-03
UNIQUE NUMBER: 17829
Question 1: Discuss the interrogation process. (10 marks)
The interrogation process is a systematic investigative method used by forensic
investigators and law enforcement to obtain truthful information, admissions, or
confessions from a suspect. Unlike a normal interview, which is non-accusatory,
interrogation is accusatory in nature because it is conducted once investigators have
reasonable grounds to believe the person is involved in a crime.
The process begins with preparation, where investigators gather background
information, evidence, and intelligence about the suspect. This preparation ensures that
the interrogator understands the suspect’s possible motives, criminal history, and
personality traits (Marais & Van Rooyen, 2022: 133).
The second stage is building rapport. Establishing trust is critical because a hostile or
defensive suspect is unlikely to cooperate. The interrogator may use a calm,
professional, and non-threatening approach initially, gradually moving toward more
direct questioning.
Third, the presentation of evidence is important. Investigators strategically confront
the suspect with facts, contradictions, or inconsistencies between their story and the
evidence. This increases psychological pressure and reduces the suspect’s ability to
maintain deception (Van der Watt, 2021: 89).
Fourth, the interrogator may apply psychological techniques, such as minimization
(downplaying the seriousness of the offence) or maximization (emphasizing the severity
