G13.2.3 Interview Room Security
Chapter: Chapter 13 – Investigative Services
Sub-Chapter: 13.2 - Special Investigative Operations
Effective Date: 05/03/2024
Revised Date: 05/03/2024
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when using designated interview rooms.
General Order
The IUPD utilizes designated interview rooms to conduct interviews and interrogations; however, not all IUPD locations have a designated interview room. The interview rooms are not designed for, nor intended to act as, secure detention areas. All persons being interviewed or interrogated will be kept under continual visual supervision while at the IUPD facility. The interviewing/interrogating officer is responsible for the safety and welfare of the interviewee, and officers will be vigilant and aware that seemingly cooperative persons can unexpectedly become violent or combative.
Definitions
Interrogation – A questioning session pertaining to material facts of a crime or incident which occurs any time a person is being questioned, is in custody or otherwise detained, and believes that they are not free to leave or walk away from the questioning session.
Interview – A questioning session pertaining to material facts of a crime or incident which occurs when the person being questioned believes that they are free to leave or walk away from the questioning session.
Security concerns, to include a search of the room prior to use (13.2.3 a)
The safety of the officer and the person being interviewed or interrogated is paramount. Officers will be aware of their proximity to the individual while in the interview room. The following safety and security measures will be taken:
- Rooms designated as interview rooms will be kept neat, orderly, clean, and cleared of as many nonessential items as possible.
- When conducting an interview or interrogation at any IUPD facility, officers will notify the IUPD’s dispatch communications center.
- Officers will search the room for any weapons, contraband, or any other items which could potentially be used as a weapon. Any items located will be removed prior to the interviewee entering the room.
- The door to the interview room will remain unlocked from the outside during an interview or interrogation to allow for quick access in the event of an emergency.
- Generally, no more than two (2) officers should be present when an interrogation is being conducted. Both officers may be present in the room, or one (1) officer can monitor from outside the room.
- All persons who are under arrest will be searched prior to an interrogation.
- Persons who are not under arrest and are being interviewed may be subject to a pat down in accordance with G2.2.5 Search and Seizure without a Warrant.
- Persons who are under arrest will be handcuffed when transported to the interview room. Handcuffs may be removed or positioned in front of the arrestee at the discretion of the officer conducting the interview.
Persons who are under arrest and actively exhibiting violent or combative behavior should not be interrogated at the IUPD facility. Instead, officers should transport them to the appropriate secure receiving facility and conduct an interview or interrogation at a different time and/or location.
The presence of weapons in the interview room (13.2.3 b)
Officers may wear or secure their firearms and other weapons at their discretion. If an officer chooses to secure their firearm and any other weapon, they will do so in accordance with G7.2.3 Weapons Control.
Procedures for summoning help, if necessary (13.2.3 c)
Officers will have their IUPD issued radios with them when conducting the interview so they may summon assistance if needed. Panic or duress buttons are on every officer’s radio and are monitored twenty-four (24) hours a day by the IUPD’s dispatch communications center. Other methods for summoning help may include utilizing a telephone or communication with another person who is physically present or nearby.
Procedures for continuous monitoring of unattended subjects (13.2.3 d)
Individuals will not be left alone in interview rooms without continuous monitoring by an officer. Monitoring may either be through:
- visual contact such as through an open door, window, or two-way mirrors; and/or
- the use of the camera system.
Reasonable subject access to restrooms and water (13.2.3 e)
Persons being interviewed or interrogated will be allowed to request an interruption to the interview or interrogation for the purpose of using a restroom, obtaining water, or other type of reasonable comfort break. The officer conducting the interview or interrogation will grant any reasonable request for a break.
Related Information
Indiana University Police Department
- G2.2.1 Interviews and Interrogations
- G2.2.5 Search and Seizure without a Warrant
- G7.2.3 Weapons Control