Final answer:
True, however, they must do so respecting the suspect's Miranda rights and the protections provided by the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination and the right to counsel.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a suspect interrogation, it is true that questions asked might be considered more intrusive than would be acceptable in a normal social situation. Investigators are tasked with uncovering the truth and may need to ask direct, and sometimes uncomfortable, questions to obtain relevant information.
The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals from self-incrimination and ensures the right to counsel. This was enshrined in the landmark Supreme Court ruling known as Miranda v. Arizona, which requires law enforcement officials to inform suspects of their rights before an interrogation begins.
Failure to provide these warnings or to respect a suspect's invocation of their Miranda rights can lead to evidence and statements being deemed inadmissible in court. Therefore, while police are permitted to ask direct questions during an interrogation, they must also ensure they are not violating the suspect's constitutional rights.