Law Enforcement Decision Making

Field Interviews

• A field interview is a brief, informal interview with a person, usually away from the police station, to gather information or clarify suspicious behavior.
• The decision to stop an individual is based on the officer's suspicion that something is "not right" about the person.

Justifying the Stop

• Suspicious behavior may include:
  • Hiding
  • Changing direction of approach upon seeing the officer
  • Dropping or concealing oneself upon the officer's approach
  • Carrying unusual objects
  • Staggering or weaving while walking
• A good peace officer is always on the alert for anything that appears out of the ordinary, considering factors such as:
  • The location
  • The time of day
  • The habits of local people
• Crime can occur anywhere, anytime.

General Grounds for a Temporary Detention

• A rational suspicion by the police officer that some activity out of the ordinary is occurring or has taken place
• An indication that connects the person under suspicion with the unusual activity
• A suggestion that the activity is related to a crime
• The person fitting the description of a wanted person
• A verbal comment or statement from an officer or citizen causing reasonable suspicion

Questioning Witnesses

• Verbal communications from other officers or citizens can be grounds for reasonable suspicion
• When obtaining information from a non-suspect or witness, there is no Miranda requirement
• A person who refuses to identify themselves as a witness can be charged with Refusal to Identify as a Witness (RSMo 575.190), a Class C misdemeanor

Proper Tactics for Conducting a Field Interview

• Observe the person for a few moments before approaching
• Implement proper tactics while conducting the interview, such as:
  • Standing at an oblique angle to the subject
  • Positioning oneself with cover nearby
  • Maintaining a "safety zone" of at least six to ten feet
  • Keeping the subject in sight
  • Controlling the subject's hands before beginning the field interrogation
  • Approaching a vehicle with caution, using the right rear fender as cover

FIR Form (Field Interview Report)

• A one-page, fill-in-the-blank report form used to record pedigree information and basic facts learned in the interview
• Information required to complete the FIR includes:
  • Date and time of stop
  • Address of stop
  • Full name, nickname, and home address
  • Home telephone number
  • Full description of the subject
  • Social security number
  • Operator license number
  • Complete list of clothing worn
  • Full vehicle description
  • Circumstances surrounding the stop