My detectives are able to interrogate suspects fine, get criminals in and out of cells to search/fingerprint/mugshot them without any issues and when they go on patrol it has all the correct patrol related goals.
So I think you're probably having some kind of specific to your save/machine issue.
It does sound abnormal, because on the first work day you are only supposed to go to a crime scene and gather clues, then go back to the station and analyse them. Then they game should tell you to file the report on a computer.
Then on day two the goal should be going on a patrol and when you return to the station it should have given you four clues to go and catch a suspect in your first APB.
I don't think you're supposed to be able to interrogate anyone before that. Then, after getting a confession it should complete your first case and you should be promoted from cadet to officer.
It's only after then, that the initial orientation of new detectives is complete and you can then start running your own cases on your own.
