The police are human beings just like the rest of us. As such, they are
prone to make mistakes or even cover up mistakes during interviews of
suspects. Recordings of police incidents involving an arrest of a suspect
often tell a different story than what the police say really happened.
This room for error, whether intentional or otherwise, makes it necessary
to have laws requiring the police to wear body cams, which should be recording
non-stop from the moment an officer confronts a suspect until after the
suspect is placed in jail or released.
Mind you, having this technology running also benefits the police. It is
not uncommon for a suspect to make up information about the police (such
as stating he or she was beaten by the police, that the police lied about
their side of the story, etc.) when in fact the police officers were telling
the truth.
Using Modern Technology to Enhance the Investigation Process
Video and audio recordings don't lie. As long as the evidence is not
tampered with and the entire scene is allowed to be recorded, everyone
gets a fair chance to view the evidence and justice is allowed to prevail.
In our modern technology-driven society, there is no reason not to record
interviews. California Penal Code section 859.5, for example, requires
electronic recording of custodial interviews involving minors accused
of committing
murder.
As with any situation, mistakes sometimes happen. There may be faulty equipment,
someone may have accidentally forgotten to turn on the equipment, or the
equipment may have even been tampered with to prevent recording of the
whole story.
Thanks to modern technology, many suspects who might have received prison
sentences for crimes they were not guilty of have been found not guilty
and allowed to go free. It is our job as a responsible society to take
advantage of the modern technology we have to help ensure that the accused
have a fair day in court and that justice prevails.
If you are going to be interviewed by the police regarding a criminal act
or have been charged with a crime, always retain a seasoned criminal defense
attorney. The difference between having an attorney defend you and representing
yourself in a police interview or in court may be the difference between
freedom and spending time behind bars.
Contact Imhoff & Associates, PC to speak with a criminal defense lawyer if
you are facing charges. We accept cases nationwide.