What is the purpose of an interview?

• A. To obtain factual information through a conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee.
• B. To assign blame for incidents.
• C. To discipline inmates.
• D. To conduct surveillance.

Answer: (A)

Interviews are used to obtain factual information through a conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee. The goal is to elicit details about what happened, who was involved, when and where events occurred, and why actions were taken, in a way that the interviewee can recall and explain clearly. A good interview uses open-ended questions, active listening, and careful note-taking to verify statements, fill in gaps, and build an accurate account that can inform investigations, reports, and decisions.

Other purposes like assigning blame, disciplining inmates, or conducting surveillance would bias responses or violate professional and policy standards, so they are not the aim of interviews conducted to gather facts.