NCJ Number
77976
Journal
Police Research Bulletin Issue: 35/36 Dated: (Autumn 1980/Spring 1981) Pages: 25-27
Date Published
1981
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This British article describes the services of the Home Office Tape Laboratory which assists police forces in the handling and processing of audio tapes.
Abstract
The laboratory exists to produce direct copies of audio tape recordings or enhanced copies of such recordings and to provide the means of making written transcripts of recordings. The laboratory also provides replay facilities in court. It examines tapes for authenticity and in support of any police investigation. Finally, the laboratory provides expert witnesses, witness statements and reports, and gives evidence in court. The laboratory's services are especially valuable because almost any recording acquired during the course of an investigation is potential evidence for a court of law and should be treated as such. About 400 investigations involving tape recordings are handled each year by the Home Office Tape Laboratory, the London Metropolitan Police Laboratory, or one of the technincal support units. About one-third of these recordings reach the courts. Instructions are given for delivering taped material to the laboratory.