House Bill 2231
REQUIRING RECORDING OF POLICE INTERROGATIONS
House Bill 2231 Bill Information
Description: HB 2231 would adopt the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act. The key provisions of the bill include requiring law enforcement to electronically record in their entirety custodial interrogations related to crimes of violence, with certain exceptions such as exigent circumstances or the individual's refusal to be recorded. The bill would also impose duties on the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to implement the law and monitor compliance by law enforcement agencies.
PA Justice Alliance Member Positions & Feedback
-
HB 2231 would require law enforcement to record a custodial interrogation when it relates to a crime of violence allegedly committed by an adult or a minor, unless a legitimate exception exists. Recording police interrogations is a commonsense practice that protects defendants and law enforcement alike.
Read more:
-
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project supports legislation to mandate the recording of police interrogations. 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government already require recording for at least some major crimes, and several others are currently considering similar laws. When a clear record exists of what occurred inside the four walls of an interrogation room, it benefits innocent people, police officers, prosecutors, and the courts.
Read more:
Blog: The Need for Interrogation Reform (4/4/2024)
-
PDAP commends this bill for mandating recordings of custodial interrogations and requiring an explanation if an interrogation wasn’t recorded. It will be a better bill with a proposed amendment to require notice to the person whose interrogation would be recorded.
Read more:
