Recording an interview It is widely acknowledged that recording the interview on audio or video media has many important advantages for the police. While notes will need to be taken during the interview (ideally by a second interviewer and not the lead interviewer), their purpose is to enable a structured approach to seeking clarification on issues arising from or challenging the suspect’s account during questioning. The interviewer cannot take a complete record and will also have their attention partly on what the suspect continues to say and how they are behaving. Furthermore, an electronic record provides verbatim evidence of what is said and cannot be disputed. It allows the interviewer to concentrate more on actively listening to the suspect’s account and encouraging disclosure. The recording itself can later be reviewed by officers and may help identify points initially missed in the interview and that need to be followed up. The recording not only clarifies any dispute, it also provides a level of protection for police officers regarding the conduct of the interview, as it may furnish the evidence necessary to refute any malicious or unfounded allegations of abuse. There is the added benefit that the audio and/ or video recording of interviews also provides protection to persons interviewed in the privacy of police custody. Often the very fact that interviews are being recorded acts as a firm stimulus to police to support interview training and strive for better interviewing skills. Recording can be a useful resource, as will be seen, in the “evaluation” phase of the interview, not only in helping shape the direction of the investigation but also by providing a learning resource for officers in their own professional development. Safeguards ► All interviews should be recorded, with the suspect having a right to receive a copy of the verbatim report of the interview. ► All suspects should be entitled to advice from legal counsel while in custody and should be informed of this right before being interviewed. ► Attention should be given to the special needs of suspects who are vulnerable by virtue of their physical or mental capacities (and any duties on the part of interviewers under national equality laws). ► Suspects should be allowed adequate and uninterrupted rest periods and provided with sufficient refreshments. Professional interviewing ► Page 17