While electronic recording of interrogations gains momentum in the US in light of recent policy change in the Federal government and its decision to require electronic video and audio recordings of interrogations, the rest of the world maintains a wide variety of positions on the matter.
iRecord wants to share tidbits from what’s happening around the world when it comes to interrogation and capturing testimony and confessions. This month we spotlight the UK and Wales.
The PACE Act
Much of what has shaped electronic audio and video recording systems in the UK is the Police and Criminal Evidience Act of 1984, or PACE. The practices that have flowed out of the Act explain how both people and law enforcement are required to act when they come into contact with each other.
Most specifically are Codes C and G which define what police are expected to do as they conduct an investigation, including stating the rights of the person.
Other Important Legislations applying to Interrogation Activities
British legislation that applies to interrogation activities include:
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
- Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001
- Terrorism Act 2006
All police officers are trained in interview techniques during basic training, further training in detailed interviewing or specialist interviewing is received in specialist or advanced courses, such as:
- Criminal Investigation
- Fraud investigation
- Child protection
The Implications of the PACE Act
The importance of the PACE Act was that it made it illegal for investigators to lie about evidence as they obtained confessions. The PACE Act also required investigators to record or “otherwise memorialize” the whole interrogation.
To stay up to date on what is going on with regard to how law enforcement obtains evidence, information and confessions, check out next month’s spotlight on Ireland.
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