Field interviews are initiated by law enforcement for what reason?

Field interviews are primarily conducted by law enforcement to gather information pertinent to an ongoing investigation. The goal is to engage with individuals who may have witnessed a crime or possess relevant details that could assist in the case. This form of interaction allows officers to collect firsthand accounts and potentially valuable leads which can further their investigation.

While detaining a suspect could be a reason for police interaction, it generally necessitates a higher level of suspicion than what is required for a field interview, which aims to be less confrontational. Additionally, field interviews do not result in formal charges against an individual, nor are they typically used for conducting random checks on citizens without cause, as such actions could infringe on individuals' rights. The intent behind a field interview is focused specifically on information-gathering in a context that may be related to investigative needs.