When interrogating a subject, what is most valuable to the interrogator?

In the context of an interrogation, obtaining any statements made regarding the crime is particularly valuable to the interrogator because these statements provide direct insight into the subject's knowledge, involvement, and perspective concerning the crime under investigation. This information can be crucial in understanding the motivations behind the subject's actions, assessing their credibility, and determining the veracity of their claims.

Moreover, statements made during an interrogation can also serve as a foundation for further investigative actions or legal proceedings. They can be recorded, possibly being admissible in court, and help establish a timeline or clarify relationships with other parties involved in the case. Therefore, focusing on the statements made by the subject allows the interrogator to gather essential pieces of evidence that could impact the outcome of the investigation and any legal actions that follow.

Obtaining documentary evidence, statements from victims, or gathering information before the interview are all important aspects of the investigative process but rely heavily on the context provided by the statements made by the subject during the interrogation. It is during this phase that the interrogator can drive the conversation to elicit critical information directly from the person being questioned.