by TChris

A few days ago, TalkLeft called attention to a NY Times editorial favoring laws that require the police to videotape interrogations. The editorial cited a study (pdf) demonstrating that recording custodial confessions benefits the police and prosecution while helping to protect the accused from coercive interrogation tactics that produce false confessions. That's why, according to the study, police agencies that use recording are uniformly in favor of the practice.

All states should require the recording of custodial interrogations. Former U.S. Attorney Thomas Sullivan, now with Jenner & Block, explains why the proposal makes sense:

"We found a major problem concerning disputes as to what occurred when suspects under arrest are brought to a police station for questioning," said Sullivan. "The simple solution is for law enforcement agencies to require that all in-custody interviews be recorded in their entirety."

Recording custodial interrogations saves time and money, creates compelling evidence and is effective in resolving disputes involving allegations of police misconduct and whether confessions are voluntary.