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Tape Recording (1)

01 January 1991

Tape Recording
artdoc August=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.

Statewatch, Vol 4 no 4, July-August 1994