when interviewing juveniles .. contemp? or tape?

[falkor]

A reminder, when interviewing juveniles. Code 'E' of the PACE Codes of Practice is clear that juveniles (under 18 years old) for all Indictable only AND either-way offences MUST be audio recorded when interviewed. This does not mean that they should be arrested but it does mean that their interview MUST be carried out by being audio recorded and NOT by contemporaneous notes. We can interview via contemporaneous notes for all summary only offences and that includes offences such as common assault, shoplifting up to £200 in value, assault PC etc.

The main offence that appears to be causing some issues is simple possession of drugs offences. This is an either way offence so the interview MUST be audio recorded either in or out of custody.

There is a provision at para 3.1(a)(ii) of Code 'E' that enables a Sgt to authorise a contemp interview for an indictable offence (includes either-way offences) but this must only be used as an emergency measure, e.g. if the machine breaks suddenly and must not be used as a general exemption not to audio record the interview

[powdermonkey]

falkor,

Can PCSO's in some forces interview then? I've never heard of it and have never been trained for interviewing anyone, juvenile or not.

[falkor]

what is more likely to happen is that a PCSO will be there when a PC is interviewing handy to know what the ground rules are if that's you

[powdermonkey]

I'd rather waterboard some of the people I meet than interview them