What is a field interview?

• A. A formal interview in a police station
• B. An interview with a vulnerable adult's physician
• C. A virtual interview via phone
• D. Street level encounters or contacts with individuals initiated by law enforcement to obtain information about criminal activity or other matters of police interest

Answer: (D)

A field interview is a street-level contact where police initiate a casual encounter with someone to gather information about criminal activity or other matters of police interest. It happens on the scene, often during patrols or at public places, and is usually brief and non-custodial—not a formal interrogation or a visit to the station. The aim is to obtain information from people who might know something about a crime, identify potential witnesses or persons of interest, or learn about patterns of activity that could help investigators. It’s different from a formal interview conducted at a police station, a medical or physician-based interview, or a remote/virtual interview.