North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What are the three main principles of field interviews?

1. Identification, Investigation, and Repression

2. Identification, Prevention, and Repression

3. Identification, Prevention, and Resolution

4. Identification, Documentation, and Repression

The correct answer is: Identification, Prevention, and Repression

The three main principles of field interviews are identification, prevention, and repression. Identification is the process where law enforcement officers seek to determine the identity of individuals who may be involved in criminal activity or who may possess information pertinent to an investigation. This principle ensures that officers can ascertain who they are dealing with, which is crucial for making informed decisions on how to proceed. Prevention focuses on stopping criminal activity before it occurs. By engaging individuals in conversation and assessing any potential threats or criminal behavior, officers can intervene and deter crime in real-time. This proactive measure is integral to community safety and effective law enforcement practice. Repression entails the suppression of criminal activity by enforcing laws and maintaining order. Through effective field interviews, officers collect information and intelligence that can lead to arrests and the disruption of criminal operations, ultimately contributing to the overall reduction of crime in the community. Together, these principles provide a framework for law enforcement to engage with individuals within their jurisdiction, fostering both crime prevention and the collection of actionable intelligence.