W2E-003 Ulster editorials 3-5.txt
In camera?

POLICE VIDEOS: Recording of interrogations could protect both sides

THE call for video and sound recording of interviews with terrorist suspects is the most controversial proposal in Sir Louis Blom-Cooper's first report. In the view of the Independent Commissioner for Holding Centres recordings would end prisoners'claims of mistreatment during interrogation.

He also argues that it would speed up trials as a significant number of cases hinge on claims about what did or did not happen during police questioning. It is a persuasive argument, although the proposal is strongly opposed by the RUC.

The police contend that recordings would be ineffective. A suspect could claim that alleged ill-treatment took place out of camera shot or range of the sound recording equipment. More worryingly, the Chief Constable argues that recording of interviews would inhibit the flow of information.

Suspects in police custody are often questioned about a whole range of matters, not just a single incident. Sometimes information can be obtained which does not relate directly to the person detention was recorded such information might be forthcoming.

Sir Louis's recommendations suggest a way around this problem. The tapes would be held by a senior police officer and would only be disclosed in very limited circumstances. It should be possible to find a compromise which would satisfy both sides.

One suggestion is that a judge, sitting in chambers, could decide on the relevant parts of recordings which would be used as evidence in court if the need arose. That would protect the source of information and also the police from charges of ill-treatment.
