FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Harold James D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/james
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James introduces plan to record police interrogations

HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Harold James, D-Phila., has introduced legislation that would require police interrogations to be electronically recorded.

James, a retired Philadelphia police officer, said in many cases police need to interview witnesses and people of interest regarding a crime. Having the interviews recorded would make it less likely police would use any coercion or that any claims of coercion could be made. 

The bill calls for recording all police interrogations.

“Interrogations are a complex undertaking and can be stressful for all parties involved. They can be further complicated in cases where children, indigent or foreign people are being interrogated about the details of a crime or criminal activity that adults don’t know,” James said. “The aim of my bill is to ensure that when someone is interviewed regarding a crime, nothing inappropriate happens in the interrogation room.”

James’ bill (H.B. 1678) has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, of which James is a member.

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