What is the mission of an interview in criminal investigations?

The mission of an interview in criminal investigations revolves around obtaining all relevant information to understand the events surrounding a crime. This encompasses not just the facts of what occurred but also the context, motivations, and perspectives of those involved. A successful interview enables investigators to piece together a coherent narrative that supports the investigation and aids in drawing conclusions about the evidence at hand.

Gathering witness statements is a part of the process, but it is narrower in scope compared to the broader goal of obtaining all relevant information. Maintaining control of the suspect is certainly important during an interrogation, but it’s not the primary mission of an interview—it focuses more on ensuring compliance or authority rather than extracting comprehensive data. Establishing a timeline of events is crucial for understanding the sequence of actions, but that's a specific outcome that results from gathering all relevant information rather than the overarching mission of the interview itself.

Therefore, the correct focus is on obtaining all relevant information, which lays the foundation for any further investigative efforts.