Audio-visual Taping of Police Interviews With Suspects and Accused Persons by Halton Regional Police Force: An Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 113202
• Author(s): J Miller
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 46 pages
• Corporate Author: Law Reform Cmssn of Canada
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: French; English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Criminal Law Series, Summary of an Evaluation Paper

Annotation

A project involving the videotaping by a Canadian police force of the interviews of persons suspected and accused of offenses other than drunk driving was evaluated to determine its effects and results.

Abstract

The Taped Interviewing Procedures (TIP) Project was conducted from July 1985 through June 1987 by the Halton Regional Police Force, located west of metropolitan Toronto. Video interviews took place at the police station, and the individual police officers were responsible for the safe custody and continuity of the tapes. Evaluation data came from forms filled out by the police officers, prosecuting and defense attorneys, and court officials. Respondents regarded this technology as an improvement in the administration of justice. Accurate videotapes largely eliminate courtroom conflicts over what was said and how an accused person was treated. Thus, the technology both aids the police in gathering evidence and adds to the protection of the rights of the accused. The use of video technology can reduce the time spent by the Supreme Court of Canada and the costs of litigating issues related to the rights of the accused persons. Other police forces should establish similar programs. 48 footnotes.