What does the acronym PRICE in suspect interviewing stand for?

The acronym PRICE in suspect interviewing stands for Preparation, Rapport building, Information gathering, Clarifying, Evaluating. Each of these components plays a vital role in the interviewing process.

Preparation is crucial as it sets the foundation for the interview. Officers must gather all relevant information beforehand to ensure that they are ready to ask informed questions and handle any unexpected developments during the interview.

Rapport building is essential for creating a comfortable environment for the suspect, which can lead to more open communication. Establishing trust can encourage the suspect to share information more freely.

Information gathering involves asking questions to elicit details about the incident in question. This phase is where the core content of the interview takes place, and it’s important for law enforcement to use effective questioning techniques to uncover valuable evidence.

Clarifying ensures that the information obtained is accurate and understood correctly. This may involve rephrasing or expanding on the suspect's answers to eliminate any ambiguities.

Finally, Evaluating consists of assessing the information gathered and considering its relevance and reliability. This step is vital in determining the next steps in the investigation or in the interview process.

All these elements combined make the PRICE acronym an effective framework for conducting suspect interviews, helping officers to obtain clearer and more accurate information.