FIELD INTERROGATION (FROM POLICE PATROL READINGS, 2D ED. 1970, BY SAMUEL G CHAPMAN - SEE NCJ-01974)

• NCJ Number: 15173
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. ADAPTED FROM THE PRESIDENT'S COMM ON LAW ENF & ADMIN OF JUSTICE, TASK FORCE RPT - THE POLICE

Annotation

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIELD INTERROGATIONS, ABUSES OF THE FIELD INTERROGATION AND THE EFFECT THIS HAS ON POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND PROPOSED PRINCIPLES DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE MISUSE OF FIELD INTERROGATIONS ARE DISCUSSED.

Abstract

FIELD INTERROGATIONS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AN IMPORTANT METHOD OF PREVENTING AND INVESTIGATING CRIME, SINCE POLICE RARELY ENCOUNTER A CRIME IN PROGRESS. THIS REPORT STATES THAT THE LIMITS OF POLICE AUTHORITY TO STOP PERSONS BRIEFLY FOR PURPOSES OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ARE UNCLEAR IN MOST JURISDICTIONS, ALTHOUGH A FEW POLICE DEPARTMENTS DO HAVE SPECIFIC POLICIES. MISUSE OF FELD INTERROGATIONS WAS FOUND TO BE CAUSING SERIOUS FRICTION WITH MINORITY GROUPS IN MANY LOCALITIES, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED WITH 'AGRESSIVE PATROL' WHERE OFFICERS ROUTINELY STOP AND QUESTION PERSONS ON THE STREET. THIS IS SHOWN TO BE PARTICULARLY FREQUENT WITH MINORITY GROUPS, THE POOR, AND JUVENILES. SEVERAL PRINCIPLES ARE RECOMMENDED TO CORRECT THIS MISUSE. AMONG THESE ARE RESTRICTIONS OF FIELD INTERROGATIONS TO SITUATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH PROBABLE CRIME, RESTRICTIONS ON SEARCHING AND TIME ALLOWED FOR STOPPING, AND A REQUIREMENT TO FILE A REPORT EACH TIME A STOP IS MADE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)