What must law enforcement obtain before conducting an interview with a suspect?

Before conducting an interview with a suspect, law enforcement must ensure that there is a clear understanding of the suspect's rights. This is primarily due to the legal principle known as the Miranda rights, which protect a suspect's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and their Sixth Amendment right to counsel. These rights must be clearly communicated to the suspect, particularly when they are in custody and about to be interrogated. Failure to do so can lead to any statements made during the interview being inadmissible in court, as the suspect may not fully understand their rights or the implications of waiving them.

While obtaining a list of prior offenses, a witness statement, or permission from a supervisor may be relevant in other contexts or investigations, they do not address the critical legal requirements that ensure the protection of the suspect's rights during questioning. The emphasis on understanding rights before an interview underscores the importance of upholding due process in the criminal justice system.