What must an officer do before interrogating a person in custody?

Before an officer can begin interrogating a person in custody, it is essential to read them their Miranda rights. This requirement arises from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which established that individuals in custody must be informed of certain rights prior to any questioning. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This procedural step helps protect the individual's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Reading the Miranda rights ensures that the person being interrogated is aware of their legal protections, which is a critical aspect of upholding due process. If an officer fails to provide this warning and subsequently obtains statements that can be used against the individual, those statements may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Other options, such as ensuring a lawyer is present, conducting a background check, or obtaining written consent, are not prerequisites for lawful interrogation under the Miranda ruling. While having an attorney present is a right that can be exercised by the individual, the actual requirement before interrogation focuses specifically on informing them of their rights regarding silence and legal representation.