What is essential to know before beginning an interview?

Understanding the background of the incident is crucial before beginning an interview because it provides context for the questions you will ask and helps frame the conversation. Knowledge of the incident's specifics allows the interviewer to tailor their approach, ensuring that they probe into relevant details and clarify any ambiguities. This foundational information helps establish a narrative flow during the interview and can significantly impact the quality of the information gathered.

While knowing the interviewee's background, the location of the interview, and the time of day are important logistical considerations, they do not provide the same level of context that the incident's background does. The incident's specifics inform the interviewer about potential motivations, relevant details, and critical timelines that can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand.