Determinants of Police Interrogation Within the Practice of the Ministry of Internal Afairs of Central Bosnia Canton

Abstract

Reason(s) for writing and research problem(s): The study of police interrogation of suspects has theoretical and practical importance which contributes to the better understanding of this process.

Aims of the paper (scientific and/or social): The intention of this paper is to elaborate the aspects of police interrogation of suspects, given that this is one of the most crucial stages within the criminal investigation process.

Methodology/Design: Applied methodology included the use of documentation analysis and structured interviews, while descripitive statistics were used to describe the basic features of the collected data.

Research/paper limitations: Limitation of the research is reflected in the fact that used sample is not representative in the context of statistical generalization.

Results/Findings: The results of the empirical research suggest that police officers of the Ministry of Interior of the Central Bosnia Canton are not familiar with the different interrogation techniques of suspects, and they are relying much on their own experience during the interrogation. Also significant is the finding that the majority of respondents never had any form of interrogation-oriented education.

General conclusion: During the interrogation process, police officers must be adhered to both procedural and criminal investigation rules in order to achieve effectiveness of interrogation.

Research/paper validity: Research on the interrogation of suspects can help police to improve their interrogation techniques and tactics, as well as to shape the future research in this area.