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Tape Recording

01 July 1994

The debate continues over the merits or otherwise of taping (audio or visual) interrogation sessions at the main "holding centres". The first Annual report of the Independent Commissioner for Holding Centres, Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, advocates the use of tape recording. The report points out that 75% of persons interrogated are released without charge and that challenges to the admissibility of confessions in the remaining cases are not frequent. He argues therefore that tapes would not need to be viewed by the courts frequently. Support for tape recording has recently come from Justice Nicholson after hearing several cases of alleged police brutality. In one case Nicholson sought assurances from senior police officers that they did not oppose tape recording. He has seemingly moved to a position that if another case of alleged ill-treatment comes before his court, he will demand to know why the interrogation was not recorded. In an unusual move the judge lifted the ban on reporting of compensation payments. Normally, successful applicants for compensation have to sign an undertaking that they will keep the award confidential and accept that the police were not admitting liability. The Chief Constable is strongly opposed to taping interrogation sessions which he regards as "an aid to terrorists". On the other hand, he is in favour of the use of tape recorded phone conversations as evidence in court.