What is a benefit of conducting an interview in a non-custodial setting?

Conducting an interview in a non-custodial setting primarily benefits the suspect by fostering a more relaxed atmosphere. In such environments, individuals often feel less pressure and are more at ease than in a custodial situation, where they may feel threatened or cornered. This relaxed state can lead to more open communication and cooperation, potentially yielding more informative responses from the interviewee.

Moreover, when suspects feel comfortable, they are often more willing to engage in dialogue, which can lead to a better understanding of the situation and more comprehensive information being shared. Creating a non-threatening environment can also help in building rapport, making it easier for the officer to gather accurate information.

In contrast, while there are sometimes aspects of comfort for the officer, the primary concern in interviews is to facilitate effective communication with the suspect. Additionally, the necessity of advising suspects of their Miranda rights is contingent on whether the interview is custodial or non-custodial, but it does not define the purpose or benefit of the interview setting itself. Finally, the speed of the process can vary based on numerous factors unrelated to the interview environment, so it isn't a guaranteed benefit of a non-custodial setting.